topspin

American

[top-spin] / ˈtɒpˌspɪn /

noun

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

topspin British

/ ˈtɒpˌspɪn /

noun

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of topspin

First recorded in 1900–05; top ¹ + spin

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.

See Examples For:

topspin

Sabalenka, who has crushed topspin forehands harder than the top men at this tournament, was on her way.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 6, 2025

While her topspin forehand still had some magic, she didn’t look match fit and the hard-serving Contreras Gomez, 24, only needed consistency to gain the upper hand.

From Seattle Times ● Sep. 20, 2022

Ruud, using his excellent topspin forehand, then broke Alcaraz’s serve for a 4-2 lead.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 11, 2022

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

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

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

Get a word

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023