crystal ball

noun

1. a ball of clear crystal, glass, or the like, used in crystal gazing.
2. a method or means of predicting the future.

crystal ball

noun

1. the glass globe used in crystal gazing

Word History and Origins

Origin of crystal ball¹

First recorded in 1850–55

Idioms and Phrases

A means of predicting the future, as in So what does your crystal ball say about the coming election? The term is a figurative use of the crystal or glass ball used by fortune-tellers. [c. 1900]

Example Sentences

The crystal ball is cloudy for both the Rams and Chargers.

From Los Angeles Times

That leads him to a blunt conclusion: “If I had a crystal ball, I’d say they will maybe last for a bit longer,” he told the BBC.

From BBC

Matt Holtry had no inside knowledge or crystal ball when he made the decision.

From Los Angeles Times

“The crystal ball is certainly not clear enough to know what will happen.”

From Los Angeles Times

If you rub a crystal ball it will show you the future.

From Los Angeles Times