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.
Another over-screen defender could make sense as a priority for the Nuggets' backcourt. Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 8 Feb. 2026 The Kings managed to clear up their logjam in the backcourt while adding wing depth with the acquisition of Hunter, but that probably won’t change their trajectory amid one of the worst seasons in franchise history. Hector Amezcua, Sacbee.com, 6 Feb. 2026 The Celtics could be in the market for backcourt help behind Derrick White and Payton Pritchard, who was moved to the bench to fill Simons’ old spot as a second-unit scorer and ball-handler. Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 6 Feb. 2026 And for what seems like, well, the 23rd time for Texas (14-9, 5-5 SEC), coach Sean Miller tried to make sense of how his defense keeps getting torched by someone else’s backcourt. Thomas Jones, Austin American Statesman, 5 Feb. 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 15 Feb. 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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