topspin

noun

top·​spin ˈtäp-ˌspin How to pronounce topspin (audio)
: a rotary motion imparted to a ball that causes it to rotate forward in the direction it is traveling

Examples of topspin 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.
The elder Shelton advised his son to chip the return and get to net, and Ben Shelton did both of those but was soon unable to hit a topspin forehand altogether. Adam Zagoria, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025 That something special largely comes from a heavy, spitting topspin forehand that dovetails with an aggressive backhand slice — the result of Tjen growing up idolizing three-time Grand Slam champion Ash Barty. Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 27 Aug. 2025 Swiatek, on the other hand, hits with equal intensity from the baseline but uses heavy topspin, which can make her shots sometimes magically drop in the court. Corey Seymour, Vogue, 11 July 2025 Clay also has considerably more friction than grass or hard courts, allowing the ball to grip to the dust and bounce much higher, in particular shots with heavy topspin. Rosa De Acosta, CNN Money, 6 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for topspin

Word History

Etymology

top entry 1

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of topspin was in 1888

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Topspin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/topspin. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

topspin

noun
top·​spin -ˌspin How to pronounce topspin (audio)
: a forward spinning motion of a ball
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