Definition

Noun: A slow baseball pitch thrown with minimal spin, causing it to move in an erratic and unpredictable path. It is thrown by gripping the ball with the knuckles or fingertips to reduce spin.

Usage

The term "knuckleball" refers specifically to this unique type of pitch in baseball. It is used to describe the pitch itself, not the action of throwing it (which is "to throw a knuckleball").

Examples

• The pitcher's knuckleball was almost impossible for the batter to hit.
• He has built his career on mastering the knuckleball.
• Catchers often use a larger mitt to catch a knuckleball because it moves so much.

Advanced Usage

• Knuckleballer: (noun) A pitcher who specializes in throwing the knuckleball.
  • Tim Wakefield was a famous knuckleballer for the Boston Red Sox.

Variants and Related Words

• Knuckler: (noun) An informal synonym for "knuckleball."
  • He threw a knuckler that dipped at the last second.

Synonyms

• Floater (informal, describes its slow speed)
• Butterfly ball (informal, describes its fluttering motion)

Notes

The knuckleball is known for its lack of a consistent trajectory, making it difficult for both batters to hit and catchers to catch. Its movement is caused by the airflow over the seams of the baseball when it has very little spin.

Noun

1. a baseball pitch thrown with little speed or spin