oddball
7 synonyms for oddball, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A person who behaves in a strange or eccentric way.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use oddball
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a lovable oddball
an oddball comedy
an oddball theory
Etymology
A compound of "odd" and "ball" that first appeared describing a bonus ball in 1930s pinball-style games, before shifting to describe eccentric people by the 1940s.
Full origin of oddball →Frequently asked questions
What does “oddball” mean?
The word “oddball” means a person who behaves in a strange or eccentric way. In plain terms, a quirky, unconventional person or thing.
How do you pronounce “oddball”?
“Oddball” is pronounced AHD-bawl (/ˈɑːdˌbɔl/ in IPA).
How do you use “oddball” in a sentence?
Here is “oddball” used in a sentence: “The office oddball kept a collection of vintage typewriters on his desk.”
What is another word for “oddball”?
Words with a similar meaning to “oddball” include odd duck, strange fish, queer fish and weirdo.
What part of speech is “oddball”?
Depending on how it is used, “oddball” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “oddball” come from?
The word “oddball” dates back to around 1930. A compound of "odd" and "ball" that first appeared describing a bonus ball in 1930s pinball-style games, before shifting to describe eccentric people by the 1940s.
How many meanings does “oddball” have?
“Oddball” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person who behaves in a strange or eccentric way.
