knuckleball
noun
knuck·le·ball
ˈnə-kəl-ˌbȯl 
: a slow baseball pitch that moves erratically and unpredictably and that is thrown with little spin by gripping the ball with the knuckles or the tips of the fingers pressed against the top
Examples of knuckleball in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Waldron developed a knuckleball, no small feat.
—
Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026
Timing is important for Balanag’s knuckleball, more so than for other pitches.
—Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026
Wood was thrust into the starting role in 1971 and did his best to perfect the knuckleball to put less stress on his throwing arm.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 19 Jan. 2026
Then, Fletcher tried something rogue, becoming a knuckleball pitcher in the Braves' minor-league organization early in the season last year.
—Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for knuckleball
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Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026
Timing is important for Balanag’s knuckleball, more so than for other pitches.
—Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026
Wood was thrust into the starting role in 1971 and did his best to perfect the knuckleball to put less stress on his throwing arm.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 19 Jan. 2026
Then, Fletcher tried something rogue, becoming a knuckleball pitcher in the Braves' minor-league organization early in the season last year.
—Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for knuckleball
Cite this Entry
“Knuckleball.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/knuckleball. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
knuckleball
noun
knuck·le·ball
ˈnək-əl-ˌbȯl
: a baseball pitch gripped with the knuckles or fingertips and thrown with very little spin
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