backspin

noun

back·​spin ˈbak-ˌspin How to pronounce backspin (audio)
: a backward rotary motion of a ball

Examples of backspin in a Sentence

put backspin on the ball
Recent Examples on the Web The hazy frustration of brain fog has felt ever-present thanks to this planetary backspin, but Mercury retrograde ending will lift the clouds and clear our thoughts. Elizabeth Gulino, refinery29.com, 15 Sep. 2023 The backspin and carry before the baseball hits the Green Monster or lands on Lansdowne Street is a sight to behold. Julian McWilliams, BostonGlobe.com, 30 Aug. 2023 And due to his arm slot and ability to spin the ball, Bautista’s fastball has much less vertical drop, while Fujinami’s moves more horizontally but has much less backspin. Jacob Calvin Meyer, Baltimore Sun, 23 July 2023 But things are finally starting to take a turn — or a backspin, as a pickler might say. Anna Braz, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2023 Venus will not be retrograde a year after your wedding, since its backspins only take place every 18 months. ELLE, 2 June 2023 Here are some of our favorite outdoor ice rinks, boasting the best backdrops for practicing your crossovers and backspins. Raisa Bruner, Travel + Leisure, 29 Apr. 2023 Power’s backspin on both shots was on point. Mark Heim | Mheim@al.com, al, 5 Apr. 2023 The hope is to generate 2,200 rpm of backspin. Jaylon Thompson, USA TODAY, 16 Mar. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'backspin.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of backspin was in 1889

Dictionary Entries Near backspin

Cite this Entry

“Backspin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backspin. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

backspin

noun
back·​spin -ˌspin How to pronounce backspin (audio)
: a backward spinning motion of a ball
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