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.
With their starting backcourt locked in and James on the way out, the Lakers can now build a roster completely around Doncic. — Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026 Mitchell's backcourt partner, James Harden, just averaged 20-plus points per game in his age-36 season, after all. — Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026 Clark and Mitchell will be joined this year in the backcourt by Dallas’ Paige Bueckers and Minnesota rookie Olivia Miles. — Mercury News, 2 July 2026 With Oubre and Grimes both leaving Philadelphia, the Sixers could likely use some more depth behind Maxey and Edgecombe in the backcourt. — Tom Ignudo, CBS News, 2 July 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

Rhymes for backcourt

See All Rhymes for backcourt

Browse Nearby Words

backcountry
backcourt
backcourtman
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Cite this Entry

“Backcourt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backcourt. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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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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