double-team

verb

dou·​ble-team ˈdə-bəl-ˌtēm How to pronounce double-team (audio)
double-teamed; double-teaming; double-teams

transitive verb

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

Examples of double-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.
On Friday, Thomas motored his way around a double-team and sacked Seattle QB Jalen Milroe, forcing a fumble that the Seahawks recovered. — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 29 Aug. 2026 The best thing Vea has going for him is the respect of opponents who routinely double-team him, which is the crux of Todd Bowles’ defense. — John Romano, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Aug. 2026 Tucker beat the double-team to create pressure on third-string quarterback DJ Uiagalelei and flush him from the pocket. — Daniel Popper, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026 The Young Bucks started out hot with double-team offense on Will Ospreay and Jon Moxley. — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for double-team

Word History

First Known Use

1860, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of double-team was in 1860

Rhymes for double-team

See All Rhymes for double-team

Browse Nearby Words

double-talk
double-team
Double Ten
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Double-team.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/double-team. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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