backcourt
noun
back·court
ˈbak-ˈkȯrt 
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
In a series colored by injuries — Minnesota was missing its starting backcourt in Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo, and the Nuggets were without Aaron Gordon and Peyton Watson — Denver could ill-afford its stars not to meet the moment.
—
Troy Renck, Denver Post, 1 May 2026
The Lakers needed their second-leading scorer back on the floor, particularly after struggling with turnovers while relying on 41-year-old All-Star LeBron James and a backcourt of Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard.
—Law Murray, New York Times, 1 May 2026
Reaves’ return will help stabilize the Lakers’ shorthanded backcourt that is still without Luka Doncic.
—Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026
The Lakers, in need of more backcourt stability, have averaged 20 turnovers per game in the series, including 23 in Game 4.
—Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 30 Apr. 2026
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Troy Renck, Denver Post, 1 May 2026
The Lakers needed their second-leading scorer back on the floor, particularly after struggling with turnovers while relying on 41-year-old All-Star LeBron James and a backcourt of Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard.
—Law Murray, New York Times, 1 May 2026
Reaves’ return will help stabilize the Lakers’ shorthanded backcourt that is still without Luka Doncic.
—Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026
The Lakers, in need of more backcourt stability, have averaged 20 turnovers per game in the series, including 23 in Game 4.
—Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for backcourt
Cite this Entry
“Backcourt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backcourt. Accessed 5 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
backcourt
noun
back·court
-ˈkō(ə)rt
-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
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