: being slower than usual or expected
throwing off-speed pitches

Examples of off-speed in a Sentence

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.
Ryan Geck singled for the Trojans before Ty Rhoades struck out swinging while chasing an off-speed pitch. Matt Jones, Arkansas Online, 23 Apr. 2025 Part of that growth is Pallante’s learning how to better utilize his off-speed pitches. Katie Woo, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025 The explanation from the Rockies is that Bryant’s timing is off: late to the fastball and early on off-speed pitches. Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 2 Apr. 2025 Larnach finally broke through last season by staying healthier and making mechanical adjustments to put up more of a fight against off-speed pitches. Aaron Gleeman, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for off-speed

Word History

First Known Use

1951, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of off-speed was in 1951

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Off-speed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/off-speed. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!