curveball

American  

[kurv-bawl] / ˈkɜrvˌbɔl /

Or curve ball

noun

Baseball.

1. a pitch with a downward spin that causes the ball to drop and veer as it approaches home plate, away from the side from which it was thrown.

   He started perfecting his curveball during his junior year in high school.

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Etymology

Origin of curveball

An Americanism dating back to 1875–80

Example Sentences

“The fastball was good, slider was good, used the curveball, minimized hits.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 2026

In the fifth inning Friday, Wyatt Langford deposited a Glasnow curveball into the Dodgers’ bullpen; his first home run this season pushed Texas’ advantage to 4-2.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2026

Here’s what you’ve already missed, what’s still on the table—and some curveball alternatives.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

The Oscar for best short action film was announced by comedian and actor Kumail Nanjiani, who took the curveball in his stride.

From BBC • Mar. 15, 2026

So if I was wanting a fastball, I would watch and see how often he threw a fastball or if it always followed a curveball, things like that.

From "Life Is So Good" by George Dawson

Related Words

• action
• gimmick
• manipulation
• measure
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