fast break

noun

: a quick offensive drive toward a goal (as in basketball) in an attempt to score before the opponent's defense is set up
fast-break
ˈfas(t)-ˌbrāk How to pronounce fast break (audio)
intransitive verb

Examples of fast break 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.
Denkey got the play started on a fast break. — Miami Herald, 14 May 2026 Tyrese Spicer drove the ball forward on a fast break and squared it to a wide open McGuire. — Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 May 2026 The rule keeps teams from fouling in the backcourt to stop a fast break, and a penalty awards the offense one free throw and possession. — Zach Powell, New York Times, 2 July 2026 The second was scored in a fast break off the faceoff by middle Will Crawford to put his team up, 3-2. — Erik Anderson, Boston Herald, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for fast break

Word History

First Known Use

1929, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fast break was in 1929

Rhymes for fast break

See All Rhymes for fast break

Browse Nearby Words

fastballer
fast break
fast-breeder
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fast break.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fast%20break. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on fast break

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fast break

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