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

In 1965, for the Sandy Koufax perfect game: “There’s 29,000 people in the ballpark and a million butterflies.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 19, 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

Agoura 1, Calabasas 0: Freshman Zach Partee threw a no-hitter and only a hit batter prevented a perfect game.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

"We haven't had the perfect game yet and hopefully that's just around the corner."

From Barron's • Feb. 25, 2026

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