screwball
Screwball (noun) means a baseball pitch thrown with a twisting wrist motion that curves opposite to a normal curveball. Example: “The pitcher struck him out with a wicked screwball.”
How to use screwball
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither an oddly-spinning baseball pitch, or (informally) someone or something wonderfully eccentric.
Word forms
more screwball comparative, screwballs plural, most screwball superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The pitcher struck him out with a wicked _____.
Etymology
From screw + ball, describing the pitch's odd twisting motion; the sense of "crazy person" grew out of that same idea of something spinning off in an unexpected direction.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “screwball” mean?
The word “screwball” means a baseball pitch thrown with a twisting wrist motion that curves opposite to a normal curveball. In plain terms, either an oddly-spinning baseball pitch, or (informally) someone or something wonderfully eccentric.
How do you pronounce “screwball”?
“Screwball” is pronounced SKROO-bawl (/ˈskɹuːbɔːl/ in IPA).
How do you use “screwball” in a sentence?
Here is “screwball” used in a sentence: “The pitcher struck him out with a wicked screwball.”
What part of speech is “screwball”?
Depending on how it is used, “screwball” can be a noun and an adjective.
How many meanings does “screwball” have?
“Screwball” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a baseball pitch thrown with a twisting wrist motion that curves opposite to a normal curveball.