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.
Frequent elections, impatient constituents and the unrelenting pressure of the news cycle do not provide rewards for gazing into crystal balls or enacting visionary policies whose benefits may only be evident years later. — John T. Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 14 Oct. 2026 Gazing into a crystal ball reveals some uncomfortable truths. — Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2026 Pretty clear most of the street doesn’t have a crystal ball to miss the mark that badly. — Michael Khouw, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2026 Like an image out of Hocus Pocus, silver chrome nails get a crystal ball switch-up with dots of green cat eye. — Christina Perrier, InStyle, 28 Sep. 2026 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

Rhymes for crystal ball

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Browse Nearby Words

Crystal
crystal ball
crystal clear
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Cite this Entry

“Crystal ball.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crystal%20ball. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

crystal ball

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