triple-team

verb

tri·​ple-team ˈtri-pəl-ˌtēm How to pronounce triple-team (audio)
triple-teamed; triple-teaming; triple-teams

transitive verb

: to block or guard (an opponent) with three players at one time
triple-team noun

Examples of triple-team 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.
There were too many teams around the league comfortable with double and triple-teaming Jokić without fear, due to Denver’s lack of shooting. Tony Jones, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025 Banchero, who was getting double- and triple-teamed, hit only 4 of 13 shots while Franz Wagner made only 6 of 15. Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 Apr. 2025 So getting double- or triple-teamed were nightly events for Benjamin. Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 2 Apr. 2025 Even when teams try to double- or triple-team him, Quenda finds ways to wriggle out thanks to his close control, especially when moving at pace. Laurie Whitwell, The Athletic, 15 Mar. 2025 What had been a 14-point lead over Northwestern with a little more than two minutes left Monday night was down to one with 21 seconds to go after Bruins forward Tyler Bilodeau was triple-teamed and called for traveling, eventually leading to a backdoor layup for the Wildcats. Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2025 Because while Jones was getting double- and triple-teamed, and his sack total was deflating, the rest of the Chiefs’ defense was taking advantage of clear paths to the quarterback. Dave Skretta, Chicago Tribune, 8 Feb. 2025 The Kings had closers, while the Warriors’ closer got double- and triple-teamed. Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 23 Jan. 2025 If teams are going to send double- and triple-teams his way, he is talented enough as a passer to pick them apart. Eric Nehm, The Athletic, 21 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1973, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of triple-team was in 1973

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Triple-team.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/triple-team. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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