knuckleball

Definition

A pitch thrown with the ball gripped on the fingertips and released with no rotation, which travels over an unpredictable path to the plate due to micro-turbulence in the air.

Etymology

From knuckle + ball.

Example Sentences

• "Even the pitcher doesn't know where his knuckleball is going."
• "Boston Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield is best known for his use of the knuckleball."
• "Our vendor keeps throwing us knuckleballs."