crystal ball

noun

1
: a sphere especially of quartz crystal traditionally used by fortune tellers
2
: a means or method of predicting future events

Examples of crystal ball in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The war in Iran is entering an unpredictable new phase where the risk to energy markets is growing and analysts’ crystal balls are getting murkier. Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 19 May 2026 In essence, the presence of the weeds offers a crystal ball into past events in a garden. Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 18 May 2026 There were crystal balls and books in plastic covers on weighty furniture. Curbed Editors, Curbed, 13 May 2026 Today’s leaders do not need crystal balls. Simone Stolzoff, Time, 12 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for crystal ball

Word History

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of crystal ball was in 1834

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Cite this Entry

“Crystal ball.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crystal%20ball. Accessed 2 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

crystal ball

noun
: a clear ball especially of quartz crystal used by a fortune-teller to predict the future
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