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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

The topspin and speed wowed fans at the Caja Magica, even drawing a few comparisons to Rafael Nadal - the recently retired 'King of Clay' who won a record 14 French Open titles.

From BBC ● May 5, 2025

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

After Vekic won the second set, Swiatek left no doubt about her dominance in the final set with her array of topspin cross-court forehands and looping shots that flustered her tiring opponent.

From Seattle Times ● Oct. 16, 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

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