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.

---

Etymology

Origin of changeup

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

Then he got Harper to fly out on a changeup, pumping a fist into his mitt as he skipped off the field.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 7, 2025

Seven came on 12 total swings against his changeup, a key offspeed pitch that showed no signs of rust even after his long layoff.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 2, 2025

They went with the big right-hander from the Big West, with a fastball and a changeup that might already be ready for Anaheim.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 13, 2025

Hernández battled back from an 0-and-2 count to poke a full-count changeup to center for a single.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 12, 2025

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