fastball

noun

fast·​ball ˈfas(t)-ˌbȯl How to pronounce fastball (audio)
: a baseball pitch thrown at full speed and often appearing to rise slightly as it nears the plate
fastballer
ˈfas(t)-ˌbȯ-lər How to pronounce fastball (audio)
noun

Examples of fastball in a Sentence

He struck him out with a fastball.
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.
There have been positive changes; his fastball appears to have better life and movement, and his command has seemingly improved as a result of his delivery adjustments. — Charlotte Varnes, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026 Mahle’s four-seam fastball velocity has also gradually ticked up in recent starts as well. — Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 3 Aug. 2026 Lalane’s fastball has climbed from the low-90s to topping out at 98 mph over the last few seasons. — Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 3 Aug. 2026 Didn’t see a lot of sweepers, but the velocity of the fastball, four-seamer, two-seamer, was really good. — Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 2 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fastball

Word History

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fastball was in 1883

Phrases Containing fastball

Rhymes for fastball

See All Rhymes for fastball

Browse Nearby Words

fastback
fastball
fastballer
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Cite this Entry

“Fastball.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fastball. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

fastball

noun
fast·​ball ˈfas(t)-ˌbȯl How to pronounce fastball (audio)
: a baseball pitch thrown at full speed

More from Merriam-Webster on fastball

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fastball

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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