fastball

noun

fast·​ball ˈfas(t)-ˌbȯl 

: a baseball pitch thrown at full speed and often appearing to rise slightly as it nears the plate

fastballer

ˈfas(t)-ˌbȯ-lər 

noun

Examples of fastball in a Sentence

He struck him out with a fastball.

Recent Examples on the Web

Perhaps better health and shorter assignments will help Cabrera harness his high-end velocity and create greater separation between his fastball and a unique changeup. — Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026

Benintendi lined a first-pitch fastball just over the right-center-field wall to give the Sox a 5-4 lead. — Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026

Amador hit a first-pitch fastball into McCovey Cove in the second inning to take 4-1 lead. — CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026

Detmers got swings and misses with all four of his pitches – fastball, curveball, slider and changeup – and earned 18 swings and misses overall, his second-most this season. — Kyle Glaser, Oc Register, 16 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing fastball

• cut fastball
• split-fingered fastball

Rhymes for fastball

• aldol
• armhole
• atoll
• awol
• backhaul
• banal
• baseball
• befall
• cabal
• catchall
• cecal
• centrale

Kids Definition

fastball

noun

fast·​ball ˈfas(t)-ˌbȯl 

: a baseball pitch thrown at full speed