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.
Thompson is 36 but fits Miami’s win-now mindset and is expected to start in the backcourt alongside Davion Mitchell, with a frontcourt of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bam Adebayo and Andrew Wiggins. — Greg Cote august 23, Miami Herald, 23 Aug. 2026 Yet another electrifying backcourt blue-chipper, Cayden Daughtry, led the Rebels to a 71-60 victory against Drive Nation of Texas for the 2026 title. — Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2026 Clark's backcourt running mate Kelsey Mitchell also had a strong shooting night, going 9 for 18 from the field to record 28 points. — Chantz Martin Outkick, FOXNews.com, 29 July 2026 Throw in Alex Caruso, and the Thunder's overall backcourt depth is still fine. — Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 29 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 1 Sep. 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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