perfect game

American  

noun

1. a baseball game in which the same player pitches throughout the full game without allowing any player of the opposing team to reach first base by a base hit, base on balls, error, or any other means.

2. a game in bowling of 12 consecutive strikes.

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perfect game British  

noun

1. baseball a game in which no batter on the opposing team reaches first base

2. tenpin bowling a game in which a bowler scores twelve consecutive strikes

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Etymology

Origin of perfect game

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

Brentwood 7, Viewpoint 0: Jack Kaplan threw a perfect game with 15 strikeouts.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 28, 2026

After a beloved pitcher named Damon Rutherford throws a perfect game, Henry has the most glorious night of his life.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

India say they can peak at the right time and play their "perfect game" in the Super Eights at the T20 World Cup, while playing down the abject form of opening batsman Abhishek Sharma.

From Barron's • Feb. 19, 2026

"We cannot play the perfect game every time but we need to find the three points and we did this," he said.

From BBC • Oct. 25, 2025

It takes Ronan four turns to hit two pins, and he jumps around like he got a perfect game.

From "Shouting at the Rain" by Lynda Mullaly Hunt