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
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.
Mikal Bridges repeatedly met Tyrese Haliburton in the backcourt, helping to disrupt the All-Star point guard, who finished with eight points on 2-of-7 shooting with six assists. Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 30 May 2025 The question marks for the Wolverines are in the backcourt, but that’s where May has some continuity with the return of Nimari Burnett, Roddy Gayle and LJ Cason. The Athletic College Basketball, New York Times, 29 May 2025 Of course, the Heat were set with youth in their backcourt in 2020 and bypassed Tyrese Maxey (or my preference at the time, Desmond Bane) in favor of Precious Achuwa, so perhaps there is something to be said about best-available now and worry about fit later. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 28 May 2025 His backcourt partner, Jrue Holiday, went 1-for-8 and was a minus-34. Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 17 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for backcourt

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of backcourt was in 1884

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Cite this Entry

“Backcourt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backcourt. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.

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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