topspin

noun

top·​spin ˈtäp-ˌspin 

: a rotary motion imparted to a ball that causes it to rotate forward in the direction it is traveling

Examples of topspin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

That was on grass, where Pegula’s flat balls stay low and Sabalenka, who is six feet tall, can struggle to get down and get her topspin-heavy forehand under the ball. — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Hitting the upper-middle section creates topspin, which increases pressure above the ball and lowers it below, causing the ball to dip sharply downward. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 June 2026

Players have five types of shots such as the slice, topspin and lob, and stronger versions of them along with different rackets that carry different abilities. — Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 7 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

top entry 1

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

topspin

noun

top·​spin -ˌspin 

: a forward spinning motion of a ball