crystal ball

noun

1
: a sphere especially of quartz crystal traditionally used by fortune tellers
2
: a means or method of predicting future events

Examples of crystal ball in a Sentence

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.
Of course, no one has a crystal ball about when the market has peaked! Terry Savage, Chicago Tribune, 24 Feb. 2025 Luckily, the cloudy crystal ball should start to clear up this week. Charlotte Carroll, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025 What To Know Photographs in the eBay listing show a small sculpture consisting of a crystal ball and a stand made up of elephants, which hold the ball with their trunks. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025 The seller seemingly has not provided documentation confirming the item's origins, though there is an image on the listing about the maker of crystal balls for a Trump event. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for crystal ball

Word History

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of crystal ball was in 1834

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Cite this Entry

“Crystal ball.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crystal%20ball. Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

crystal ball

noun
: a clear ball especially of quartz crystal used by a fortune-teller to predict the future
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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