noun
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a board that is placed behind something to form or support its back
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a board worn to straighten or support the back, as after surgery
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(in basketball) a flat upright surface supported on a high frame, under which the basket is attached
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of backboard
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
Kessler, the Lakers’ big acquisition at center from the Utah Jazz, has been nursing a finger injury he sustained after hitting the backboard during practice.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 9, 2026
But Bryant repeatedly missed his final dunk, a between the legs and off the backboard reverse slam.
From Barron's ● Feb. 14, 2026
She has seen the video evidence of the two of them, both still in kindergarten, launching basketballs over their heads at the backboard.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 14, 2025
Maybe I shouldn’t have: My first five were airballs before I finally hit the backboard.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 24, 2024
“I was hitting balls on the backboard by myself,” Miss Skeeter say.
From "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett
Russell has distributed the ball well and been solid on the backboards, averaging 5.5 assists and 5.5 rebounds in the playoffs.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 21, 2023
While championship dynasties dominate news cycles and genetically gifted athletes who come out of the womb ready to tear down backboards command our attention, it’s the little guys in sports who truly capture our affection.
From Washington Post ● Jan. 28, 2023
Hyman quickly responded, sending a shot off the backboards that came right back to him in front.
From Seattle Times ● Jan. 19, 2023
The Lakers had issues with the Kings on the backboards, giving up way too many.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 19, 2023
I didn’t see all those cardboard backboards Finkle had given out.
From "The Million Dollar Shot" by Dan Gutman
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
