: a backward rotary motion of a ball

Examples of backspin in a Sentence

put backspin on the ball
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The backspin pop-ups landing behind the mound were just as many. Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 20 Mar. 2026 This is why baseball players try to create backspin to hit home runs. Rhett Allain, Wired News, 13 June 2026 There is the picturesque right-handed swing that produces effortless backspin. Dennis Lin, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2026 However, the ball had some backspin after landing, and rolled harmlessly across the goal line. Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for backspin

Word History

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of backspin was in 1889

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Cite this Entry

“Backspin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backspin. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

backspin

noun
: a backward spinning motion of a ball
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