curveball
15
5.3
- noun
- /ˈkɜrvˌbɔl/
- Specialized
:
curva
- The pitcher threw a sharp curveball that left the batter swinging at air.
- throw a curveball
So Jewels like that, you know, he liked to hit the ball hard, but the curveball was the death of baseball for us.
- So Jewels like that, you know, he liked to hit the ball hard, but the curveball was the death of baseball for us.
Examples
-
Man, he had one hell of a curveball for a 10-year-old.
-
The catcher put two fingers down, and I threw my curveball.
Fiction book (2000) -
The good Lord wanted me to hit that curveball over the wall.
-
You got to guard it closely, always looking for the curveball on the inside corner.
-
Two fingers means a curveball, right?
-
Why is he calling for a curveball?
-
But he probably threw a curveball, which is the right move.
-
Best pitch I ever taught her was the curveball.
-
On the next pitch, Alex wanted to throw his curveball.
Fiction book (2000) -
His swing may strengthen, but it will be of little use against a curveball from a quality pitcher.
Academic text (2012)
Synonyms
42
6.7
A baseball pitch that spins and bends as it reaches the batter
5
6.2
A pitch that curves as it moves toward the batter because the pitcher throws it with spin
4
9.1
A thrown baseball that curves as it reaches the batter
3
5.0
A baseball throw with spin that curves as it reaches the batter
Antonyms
How Unpredictable
- Specialized
5
8.2
- Specialized
5
5.6
- Specialized
15
5.3
- Jargon
11
6.6
- US
55
3.2
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
Curveball comes from baseball and joins curve ('bend') and ball. It names a pitch thrown with spin so the ball 'bends' in the air and fools the batter.