topspin

noun

top·​spin ˈtäp-ˌspin How to pronounce topspin (audio)
: a rotary motion imparted to a ball that causes it to rotate forward in the direction it is traveling

Examples of topspin 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 composition of the wrist makes an injury extremely hard both to prevent and to treat, especially for people who play a sport that requires players to torque their wrists to help generate more topspin. — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 30 July 2026 Hitting the upper-middle section creates topspin, which increases pressure above the ball and lowers it below, causing the ball to dip sharply downward. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 June 2026 Players have five types of shots such as the slice, topspin and lob, and stronger versions of them along with different rackets that carry different abilities. — Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 7 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for topspin

Word History

Etymology

top entry 1

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of topspin was in 1888

Browse Nearby Words

topsoil
topspin
topstitch
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Topspin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/topspin. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

topspin

noun
top·​spin -ˌspin How to pronounce topspin (audio)
: a forward spinning motion of a ball
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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