jump ball
noun
: a method of putting a basketball into play by tossing it into the air between two opponents who jump up and attempt to tap the ball to a teammate
also
: a ball put into play in this manner
Examples of jump ball in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Officials expressed uncertainty after the ball appeared to be last touched by Minnesota, leading them to declare the jump ball.
—
Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 2 Apr. 2025
Meanwhile, the Wisconsin race, where Elon Musk is handing out $1 million checks, is a true jump ball.
—Philip Elliott, Time, 31 Mar. 2025
After an incompletion, Galligan found senior Tyler Cromwell for a 28-yard grab as time expired on a jump ball in the end zone.
—Brian Roach, Boston Herald, 28 Nov. 2024
The call was overturned, resulting in a jump ball that the Heat won, leading to a Jaquez three-pointer.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 10 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for jump ball
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Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 2 Apr. 2025
Meanwhile, the Wisconsin race, where Elon Musk is handing out $1 million checks, is a true jump ball.
—Philip Elliott, Time, 31 Mar. 2025
After an incompletion, Galligan found senior Tyler Cromwell for a 28-yard grab as time expired on a jump ball in the end zone.
—Brian Roach, Boston Herald, 28 Nov. 2024
The call was overturned, resulting in a jump ball that the Heat won, leading to a Jaquez three-pointer.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 10 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for jump ball
Cite this Entry
“Jump ball.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jump%20ball. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.
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