breaking ball

American  

[brey-king bawl] / ˈbreɪ kɪŋ ˈbɔl /

noun

Baseball.

1. any pitch in which the ball deviates from a straight path as it approaches the batter.

   If you’re not sure if it was a slider or a curve, just say it was a breaking ball.

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Etymology

Origin of breaking ball

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

breaking ball

Needing another weapon to complement his fastball and breaking ball, his college pitching coach suggested he attempt to add a splitter to his repertoire.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 30, 2025

But unlike their battle the previous night, this breaking ball was not off the plate, but rather knee high and over the inner half.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 29, 2024

Adell crushed a hanging breaking ball for a pinch-hit grand slam.

From Seattle Times ● May 31, 2024

Marte said he was looking for a good pitch to hit and found it on a breaking ball down the middle.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 8, 2023

“A three-pitch mix, and the changeup is a swing-and-miss changeup. Our hitters were in between all night. Late on the heater, ahead of the breaking ball and changeup.”

From Washington Times ● Sep. 22, 2023