Word
fastball
Phoneticsfast·ball, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈfæstˌbɔɫ/
UK/fˈɑːstbɔːl/
Countable noun Sports
Definition
n. a pitch in baseball that is thrown as fast as possible. It is the most common type of throw used to make it hard for the batter to hit the ball.
n. a pitch delivered at maximum velocity, relying on speed rather than lateral or vertical movement to deceive the batter.
Examples
“The pitcher threw a 95-mile-per-hour fastball.”
“After throwing two slow curveballs, the pitcher surprised the batter with a high fastball right over the plate.”
“While many modern pitchers rely on high-velocity fastballs to dominate the strike zone, the most effective players vary their speed to keep hitters off balance.”
Examples
simple
“The pitcher threw a 95-mile-per-hour fastball.”
contextual
“After throwing two slow curveballs, the pitcher surprised the batter with a high fastball right over the plate.”
complex
“While many modern pitchers rely on high-velocity fastballs to dominate the strike zone, the most effective players vary their speed to keep hitters off balance.”
Usage
Commonly used in sports contexts; often paired with verbs like 'throw', 'pitch', or 'clock'.
Etymology
From fast (adjective) + ball.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/fastball