: being slower than usual or expected
throwing off-speed pitches

Examples of off-speed 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 Brewers didn’t chase much when Avila threw his off-speed pitches. Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 4 Apr. 2026 Now 27, Rice is hoping to build off his 2025 success by hitting more off-speed pitches in the air. Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 3 Apr. 2026 Unable to get outs with his four-seam fastball, the 6-foot-2, 200-pound right-hander became rattled, left to nibble with off-speed pitches. Troy Renck, Denver Post, 3 Mar. 2026 Bigger separation between that primary pitch and his other options makes his off-speed stuff more effective. Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 1 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for off-speed

Word History

First Known Use

1951, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of off-speed was in 1951

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Cite this Entry

“Off-speed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/off-speed. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.

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