changeup

American  

[cheynj-uhp] / ˈtʃeɪndʒˌʌp /

Or change-up

noun

Baseball.

1. a pitch that follows one or more fastballs, delivered with the same motion as for a fastball but with less speed, intentionally disrupting the batter’s timing.

   He knows how to use his changeup to keep hitters off balance.

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Etymology

Origin of changeup

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

changeup

In Smith’s first at-bat, he battled for nine pitches, finally lifting a changeup over the left field wall.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 9, 2026

That changeup, designed to get him to chase, wrapped up Skubal’s outing.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 5, 2026

In his first high-pressure situation of the night, Skubal induced Alex Bregman to fly out on a changeup.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 5, 2026

But just in case he doesn’t, the Dodgers bought themselves the best possible insurance policy in the form of a 240-pound lefty with a powerful fastball and devastating changeup.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 2, 2026

I completely miss one of Cala’s pitches because I mix up the fastball and changeup signals...which gives the Red Devil on third base the perfect opportunity to steal home.

From "Fast Pitch" by Nic Stone