backcourt

noun

back·​court ˈbak-ˈkȯrt How to pronounce backcourt (audio)
1
: the area near or nearest the back boundary lines or back wall of the playing area in a net or court game
2
a
: a basketball team's defensive half of the court
b
: the positions of the guards on a basketball team
also : the guards themselves
a team with a strong backcourt

Examples of backcourt in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The Raptors had taken a one-point lead when a turnover in the backcourt led to a dunk by Scottie Barnes with seven seconds remaining. Bill Trocchi, USA TODAY, 29 Jan. 2024 Michelle Tang led Mills with 15 points, and backcourt partner Chloe Lee was second with nine points. Joseph Dycus, The Mercury News, 23 Jan. 2024 That stat sheet looks nice, but IU's backcourt was badly outplayed by Purdue's and Galloway finished with a -17 in +/-. Matthew Glenesk, The Indianapolis Star, 17 Jan. 2024 Riordan struggled to keep up with SHP’s backcourt duo of O’Brien and senior JP Kerrigan, who shredded the Crusaders’ perimeter defense. Nathan Canilao, The Mercury News, 20 Feb. 2024 Coaches vote for the All-Star reserves, selecting two backcourt players, three frontcourt players and two wild cards. Jeff Zillgitt, USA TODAY, 1 Feb. 2024 The Magic will open with Markelle Fultz and Jalen Suggs in the backcourt, forwards Paolo Banchero and Jalen Suggs, as well as Wendell Carter Jr at the five. Dana Scott, The Arizona Republic, 29 Jan. 2024 Beasley also has been tasked with some of the tougher defensive assignments in the backcourt, and while there can be fair criticism of his effectiveness at times, the Bucks couldn’t be happier with his effort on that end and his shooting on the other. Jim Owczarski, Journal Sentinel, 18 Jan. 2024 Acquired as part of Charlotte’s haul in the trade that sent Gordon Hayward to Oklahoma City, the young former Florida Gator provides more backcourt depth. Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 10 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'backcourt.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of backcourt was in 1884

Dictionary Entries Near backcourt

Cite this Entry

“Backcourt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backcourt. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

backcourt

noun
back·​court -ˈkō(ə)rt How to pronounce backcourt (audio)
-ˈkȯ(ə)rt
1
: a basketball team's defensive half of the court
2
: the positions of the guards on a basketball team
also : the guards themselves
a team with a strong backcourt
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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