Definition

Noun: A batted baseball that travels a relatively short distance into the air, typically high and easy for a fielder to catch before it hits the ground. It is a specific type of fly ball.

Usage

This term is used almost exclusively in the sport of baseball (and its variants like softball). It describes a specific, often routine, play where a batter hits the ball. It is a compound noun, typically hyphenated.

Examples

• The batter hit a weak pop-fly to the shortstop, who caught it for an easy out.
• With the bases loaded, the team needed a home run, but he only managed a pop-fly to the infield.
• The catcher settled under the pop-fly near the backstop.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used to describe an unsuccessful or weak hit by a batter, implying an easy out for the defensive team.
• It can be part of the phrase "pop-fly out," which specifies the result of the play.
  • He popped out to the second baseman. (Here, "popped out" is the verb form describing the action of hitting a pop-fly that was caught for an out.)

Variants and Related Words

• Pop out (verb, phrasal verb): To be put out by hitting a pop-fly that is caught. (e.g., )
• Fly ball (noun): The general category for any batted ball hit high into the air. A pop-fly is a type of fly ball.
• Infield fly (noun): A specific rule applied to a pop-fly hit in the infield with runners on base, automatically calling the batter out.

Synonyms

• Sky-high pop (informal)
• Can of corn (baseball slang): Refers specifically to an easy-to-catch fly ball, often a pop-fly to the outfield.

Antonyms

• Ground ball (noun): A batted ball that rolls or bounces along the ground.
• Line drive (noun): A batted ball hit sharply and directly, traveling on a relatively straight, low line.

Noun

1. a short high fly ball