topspin

American  

[top-spin] / ˈtɒpˌspɪn /

noun

1. a spinning motion imparted to a ball that causes it to rotate forward.

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topspin British  

/ ˈtɒpˌspɪn /

noun

1. sport spin imparted to make a ball bounce or travel exceptionally far, high, or quickly, as by hitting it with a sharp forward and upward stroke Compare backspin

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Etymology

Origin of topspin

First recorded in 1900–05; top ¹ + spin

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

topspin

A full 20 years after the screen debut of the satire, the topspin of its best lines still whizzes with the same precision and blistering flight path of its 2006 self.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 6, 2026

Though the blast had a low trajectory with topspin that limited the distance it carried, the ball still sailed 450 feet, crashing into a pocket of empty seats deep in the right-field stands.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 24, 2024

Ruud hits with a healthy dose of topspin that makes his game particularly suited to clay, where he first made waves at Grand Slams.

From Washington Post ● Sep. 11, 2022

Using her heavy topspin forehand to take charge from the baseline in the early going, Swiatek dictated the tempo and trajectory of points.

From Seattle Times ● Sep. 10, 2022

The years of pro experience seemed at first to favour Martinez, who used deep, punchy shots and heavy topspin to clinch the first set 6-4.

From BBC ● Aug. 25, 2022