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

The large crystal ball, decked out with lights, slowly descending for the last sixty seconds of the year before fireworks and confetti signal the turn of the calendar, is an iconic tradition. —Elliott Harrell, Southern Living, 19 Dec. 2025

Every week between now and January 22, when the nominations for the Academy Awards are announced, Vulture will consult its crystal ball to determine the changing fortunes in this year’s Oscar race. —Nate Jones, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2025

Forget crystal balls—this creative deck and guidebook uses the language of climbing to unlock meaingful reflection. —The Editors, Outside, 12 Dec. 2025

For scientists, this natural phenomenon has become a kind of crystal ball, revealing how our changing oceans will shape the marine life within them. —New Atlas, 29 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for crystal ball

• aerosol
• alcohol
• arbitral
• basketball
• butanol
• cannonball
• carbinol
• catarrhal
• cortisol
• ethanol
• fireball
• gasohol

Kids Definition

crystal ball

noun

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