topspin

noun

top·​spin ˈtäp-ˌspin How to pronounce topspin (audio)
: a rotary motion imparted to a ball that causes it to rotate forward in the direction it is traveling

Examples of topspin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Zheng is athletic and unwaveringly competitive, with a strong, if inconsistent, serve and a penetrating topspin forehand. Gerald Marzorati, The New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2024 Even the physicists and meteorologists had something to say about his chances—that the colder fall weather meant Nadal’s ferociously-unmanageable topspin groundstrokes would bounce lower on the clay, perhaps giving his opponents more of a chance to stay in the game. Jason Gay, WSJ, 11 Oct. 2020 Or the kind of topspin kick serve that Shelton was delivering for his second serve, which would bounce up around Cachin’s forehead. Gerald Marzorati, The New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2023 Late in the match, Austin thumped two straight aces with speed and topspin that prompted a wide grin from head coach Leslie Jackson. Greg McKenna, Dallas News, 14 Sep. 2023 Sock got the serve back, and went back to his playbook, using inside-out forehands and penetrating, heavy topspin passing shots to even the game at eight. Todd Boss, Forbes, 4 May 2023 Matt McLain lofted a high fly ball with topspin that carried over the wall in left field. Charlie Goldsmith, The Enquirer, 30 July 2023 Otherwise, as frequently noted above, Sock’s pin-point accuracy with hard dipping topspin drives was excellent all day, and his tennis skills easily translated to the pickleball court. Todd Boss, Forbes, 4 May 2023 Her heavy topspin strokes are just devastating on that surface, and the slower bounce gives her enough time on the ball to manipulate opponents until there’s an opening to hit a winner. Dan Wolken, USA TODAY, 25 May 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'topspin.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

top entry 1

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of topspin was in 1888

Dictionary Entries Near topspin

Cite this Entry

“Topspin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/topspin. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

topspin

noun
top·​spin -ˌspin How to pronounce topspin (audio)
: a forward spinning motion of a ball
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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