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
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.
Vanderbilt, who is left-handed, was injured in the second quarter trying to block a dunk by Oklahoma City’s Chet Holmgren, but his hand hit the backboard.
From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026
The game went to overtime after Denver guard Jamal Murray’s half-court prayer bounced off the backboard at the buzzer.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 15, 2026
But Bryant repeatedly missed his final dunk, a between the legs and off the backboard reverse slam.
From Barron's • Feb. 14, 2026
“If we play elite offense, elite defense and beat you on the backboard, we’re tough to beat,” Hurley said.
From Seattle Times • Apr. 5, 2024
The ball went off the backboard in the net and I pushed Ice off as we came down.
From "Slam!" by Walter Dean Myers
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.
