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.
Smart could complement Dejounte Murray in the backcourt and give New Orleans a tradable asset for the future. Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025 And players discuss impact on team January 23, 2025 12:59 PM The Western Conference All-Star starters are Phoenix’s Kevin Durant, Los Angeles’ LeBron James and Denver’s Nikola Jokic in the frontcourt, and Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Golden State’s Stephen Curry in the backcourt. Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 24 Jan. 2025 Harris is joined in the backcourt by South Dakota State transfer Zeke Mayo, prolific 3-point shooter that is averaging 15 points per game despite the jump up in competition. Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Jan. 2025 Of all the front-runners to make it out of the East (throw Tyler Herro from the Miami Heat in there, too), only Garland and Mitchell share the backcourt with a teammate under serious All-Star consideration. Joe Vardon, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 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

Dictionary Entries Near backcourt

Cite this Entry

“Backcourt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backcourt. Accessed 1 Feb. 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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