1. a baseball pitch thrown at a slower speed than a fastball to deceive the batter
Usage: sports; also written as 'change-up' or 'change up'
2. a sudden, unexpected shift or reversal in strategy, direction, or approach
Usage: informal; figurative

Examples

• The pitcher threw a changeup to keep the batter off balance.
• After years of the same routine, she decided a changeup was necessary.
• His changeup was his most effective pitch in the game.
• The team's changeup in defensive strategy paid off immediately.
• The coach threw in a changeup by starting a rookie instead of the veteran.
• A good changeup can be just as valuable as a fastball in baseball.