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off-speed

American  
[awf-speed, of-] / ˈɔfˈspid, ˈɒf- /

adjective

  1. slower than usual or expected, as a baseball pitch.


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It was an off-speed pitch first derived from the forkball that hadn’t been popular since the age of the Walkman—and its reputation for shredding elbows had given it a stigma.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

With only a 90-mph fastball and a flurry of funky off-speed pitches, the 36-year-old navigated the first four innings without giving up a hit.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 9, 2025

His off-speed pitches have been effective this season.

From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2025

“The guy just stood out there and threw off-speed pitches for four innings, and we didn’t do anything about it,” Baldelli said.

From Seattle Times • May 21, 2024

“Throw him the off-speed stuff! This chump couldn’t hit a changeup even if you told him it’s coming!”

From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison