knuckleball

noun

knuck·​le·​ball ˈnə-kəl-ˌbȯl How to pronounce knuckleball (audio)
: a slow baseball pitch that moves erratically and unpredictably and that is thrown with little spin by gripping the ball with the knuckles or the tips of the fingers pressed against the top
knuckleballer noun

Examples of knuckleball in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Chiefs got a big boost when Dicker botched the ensuing kickoff, booting a knuckleball that failed to reach the landing zone, thereby allowing Kansas City to begin the final drive on its 40-yard line. Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times, 9 Dec. 2024 The rookie lacked a feel for his primary weapon, the knuckleball, even as his other pitches found too much plate. Dennis Lin, The Athletic, 22 Aug. 2024 But Bouton's struggle to survive in baseball while throwing the knuckleball — a pitch that becomes a metaphor for his individuality — triggered a controversy that roiled all of pro sports. The Week Us, theweek, 29 Oct. 2024 In this game, Anderson ended up with a no decision because the Angels couldn’t do much in their first look at Padres right-hander Matt Waldron, the only current knuckleball pitcher in the majors. Jeff Fletcher, Orange County Register, 3 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for knuckleball 

Word History

First Known Use

1907, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of knuckleball was in 1907

Dictionary Entries Near knuckleball

Cite this Entry

“Knuckleball.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/knuckleball. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

knuckleball

noun
knuck·​le·​ball ˈnək-əl-ˌbȯl How to pronounce knuckleball (audio)
: a baseball pitch gripped with the knuckles or fingertips and thrown with very little spin

More from Merriam-Webster on knuckleball

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!