: being slower than usual or expected
throwing off-speed pitches

Examples of off-speed 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.
But, with two strikes, he’s been susceptible to off-speed pitches out of the zone. Matt Gelb, The Athletic, 26 Aug. 2024 That off-speed stuff gives high school hitters trouble. Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 25 May 2024 There was a time when Buehler wouldn’t have even considered throwing an off-speed pitch in that situation. Dylan Hernández, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2024 In 12 starts from March 30 to June 7, Yamamoto was 8-4 with a 2.41 ERA, averaging more than 10 strikeouts per nine innings with a mid-90s fastball and off-speed combination of curveballs, sliders and splitters. Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for off-speed 

Word History

First Known Use

1951, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of off-speed was in 1951

Dictionary Entries Near off-speed

Cite this Entry

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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