curveball
|curve-ball|
B2
🇺🇸
/ˈkɜrvˌbɔl/
🇬🇧
/ˈkɜːvˌbɔːl/
unexpected twist
Etymology
Etymology Information
'curveball' originates from the combination of 'curve' and 'ball', where 'curve' refers to the bending path of the ball.
Historical Evolution
'curveball' was first used in the late 19th century in the context of baseball to describe a pitch that curves.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant a type of baseball pitch, but over time it evolved to also mean an unexpected event.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a type of pitch in baseball that curves as it approaches the batter.
The pitcher threw a curveball that left the batter swinging at air.
Synonyms
Noun 2
an unexpected or deceptive action or event.
Life threw him a curveball when he lost his job unexpectedly.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:42