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.
New Orleans played without Dejounte Murray (illness), and coach James Borrego adjusted to the starting point guard’s absence by playing Murphy and Herb Jones in the backcourt and giving second-year center Yves Missi his ninth start of the season. Dallas Morning News, 16 Mar. 2026 Florida’s dominance up front and improved backcourt play had rekindled the Gators’ hopes to become a rare repeat national champion. Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 Mar. 2026 But facing a huge Timberwolves roster sporting 6-6 Anthony Edwards and 6-5 Donte DiVincenzo in the backcourt, those players standing 6-1 and shorter were at a severe disadvantage. Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 14 Mar. 2026 Despite microwave scorers Ben Bradford and Dezayne Mingo having big nights in prior rounds, Charlotte’s backcourt couldn’t match the long-range barrage from Bryan Hodgson’s Bulls. Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 14 Mar. 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Backcourt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backcourt. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.

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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