oddball

American  

[od-bawl] / ˈɒdˌbɔl /

noun

1. a person or thing that is atypical, bizarre, eccentric, or nonconforming, especially one having beliefs that are unusual but harmless.

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adjective

1. whimsically free-spirited; eccentric; atypical.

   an oddball scheme.

oddball British  

/ ˈɒdˌbɔːl /

noun

1. Also called: odd bod.   odd fish.  a strange or eccentric person

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adjective

1. strange or peculiar

Etymology

Origin of oddball

An Americanism dating back to 1940–45; odd + ball ¹

Example Sentences

When she pushed them around her table, they emitted whistles and wails, which a giggly suzueri accompanied by singing into a microphone, adding her own charmingly oddball whistles and wails.

From Los Angeles Times

These oddballs have little in common besides their defiance of village norms and their families’ mutual disapproval.

From Los Angeles Times

In the second half, an early 20th century oddball fantasia for four violas by British composer/violist York Bowen was preceded a gripping performance of the First Sextet.

From Los Angeles Times

As directed by James Griffiths, Mr. Basden and Mr. Key’s screenplay hearkened back to “Local Hero” with its warm glow of appreciation for U.K. oddballs.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Joey” was something different, and also more usual, a gathering of oddballs around a main character on a set that found them all a place to sit.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• eccentric