off-speed

adjective

ˈȯf-ˈspēd How to pronounce off-speed (audio)
: being slower than usual or expected
throwing off-speed pitches

Examples of off-speed in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Skubal struck out the side in the third inning, getting Max Clark to swing through a changeup, Javier Báez to chase a high fastball and Torres to watch an off-speed pitch clip the bottom of the zone. — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026 Walker then sent an off-speed pitch from Andrés Muñoz (5-5) to the train tracks atop left field to give the Astros the win. — ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026 When needed, Luzardo was also able to pull out his four-seam fastball or off-speed changeup. — Kansas City Star, 5 July 2026 Tracy said the Red Sox want Bello to continue attacking with his off-speed stuff. — Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for off-speed

Word History

First Known Use

1951, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of off-speed was in 1951

Rhymes for off-speed

See All Rhymes for off-speed

Browse Nearby Words

off soundings
off-speed
offspin
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Off-speed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/off-speed. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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