crystal ball

noun

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web No framing is a crystal ball. Paul Swartz, Fortune, 12 Dec. 2022 While no one has a crystal ball, predictions can be made based on evidence and trends. IEEE Spectrum, 1 Dec. 2022 Kids love interactive toys, like this colorful plush toy and crystal ball. Chicago Tribune, 23 Nov. 2022 Though none of us have a crystal ball, here’s my take on the top five future of food trends going on right now. Jennifer Stojkovic, Rolling Stone, 10 Apr. 2023 No one has a crystal ball. Amy Wagner And Steve Sprovach, The Enquirer, 16 Mar. 2023 Another featured a crystal ball, a sack of money and an hourglass and one even showed the Statue of Liberty. David Waldstein, New York Times, 1 Feb. 2023 That said, no one has a crystal ball. Q.ai - Powering A Personal Wealth Movement, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2023 With election day just over five weeks away, Times columnist Mark Z. Barabak peers into our crystal ball — which is foggier than a summer morning in San Francisco — and answers questions. Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2022 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'crystal ball.' 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

1834, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Dictionary Entries Near crystal ball

Cite this Entry

“Crystal ball.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crystal%20ball. Accessed 7 Jun. 2023.

Kids Definition

crystal ball

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