curveball

noun

curve·​ball ˈkərv-ˌbȯl How to pronounce curveball (audio)
: a slow or moderately fast baseball pitch thrown with spin to make it swerve downward and usually to the left when thrown from the right hand or to the right when thrown from the left hand
curveball verb

Examples of curveball in a Sentence

The batter struck out on a curveball.
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.
Sawchuk explained that Muschietti largely stuck to the shot list but would occasionally throw the team a curveball, adding that some of the most memorable cinematic moments in the series were added at the last minute. Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 6 June 2026 Stapleton’s editing process was trickier, as the team had no idea of the trial outcome until the last episode, often facing curveballs which included needing to find new footage and jurors to interview. Arushi Jacob, Variety, 4 June 2026 Tatis began the game by driving a curveball from Aaron Nola to the gap in left-center field for a stand-up double. Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 June 2026 After a sacy fly by Bazzana tied it, Ramírez laced a 2-2 curveball over leaping first baseman Ben Rice and down the right-field line for a 5-4 lead. Cbs New York Team, CBS News, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for curveball

Word History

First Known Use

1936, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of curveball was in 1936

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Cite this Entry

“Curveball.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/curveball. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.

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