topspin

noun

top·​spin ˈtäp-ˌspin How to pronounce topspin (audio)
: 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 Sock got the serve back, and went back to his playbook, using inside-out forehands and penetrating, heavy topspin passing shots to even the game at eight. Todd Boss, Forbes, 4 May 2023 Matt McLain lofted a high fly ball with topspin that carried over the wall in left field. Charlie Goldsmith, The Enquirer, 30 July 2023 Otherwise, as frequently noted above, Sock’s pin-point accuracy with hard dipping topspin drives was excellent all day, and his tennis skills easily translated to the pickleball court. Todd Boss, Forbes, 4 May 2023 Her heavy topspin strokes are just devastating on that surface, and the slower bounce gives her enough time on the ball to manipulate opponents until there’s an opening to hit a winner. Dan Wolken, USA TODAY, 25 May 2023 His heavy topspin serve gave Beasley (a former collegiate tennis player from Cal-Poly) fits. Todd Boss, Forbes, 4 May 2023 Grains are plump and slightly sweet, with a gentle, vinegary topspin that provides an unshakable foundation for each of the restaurant’s six items. Lucas Kwan Peterson, Los Angeles Times, 3 May 2023 And when Rafa unleashed the deep topspin, backed up by Federer’s angled volley at the net, their combined talent was sublime. Susie Rushton, Vogue, 24 Sep. 2022 But suddenly their opponent is swinging away with reckless abandon, grazing the lines with topspin winners. Shawn Tully, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2022 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'topspin.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

top entry 1

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of topspin was in 1888

Dictionary Entries Near topspin

Cite this Entry

“Topspin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/topspin. Accessed 22 Sep. 2023.

Kids Definition

topspin

noun
top·​spin -ˌspin How to pronounce topspin (audio)
: a forward spinning motion of a ball
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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