fastball
n. countable B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈfæstˌbɔɫ// UK //fˈɑːstbɔːl// fast·ball
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.
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.
From fast (adjective) + ball.
Usage
Commonly used in sports contexts; often paired with verbs like 'throw', 'pitch', or 'clock'.