backboard

American  

[bak-bawrd, -bohrd] / ˈbækˌbɔrd, -ˌboʊrd /

noun

1. a board placed at or forming the back of anything.

2. Basketball. a board or other flat vertical surface to which the basket is attached.

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backboard British  

/ ˈbækˌbɔːd /

noun

1. a board that is placed behind something to form or support its back

2. a board worn to straighten or support the back, as after surgery

3. (in basketball) a flat upright surface supported on a high frame, under which the basket is attached

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Etymology

Origin of backboard

First recorded in 1755–65; back ¹ + board

Example Sentences

“I’m not doing a finger roll off the glass move. I’m attacking the basket and I’m shaking the whole backboard. I think from that point on, everyone knew, ‘Stoud, he’s going to the NBA.

From Los Angeles Times

I hit the backboard with a thump, and J.W. was all over me.

From Literature

James ran down Anthony Black and blocked his shot off the backboard.

From Los Angeles Times

But Bryant repeatedly missed his final dunk, a between the legs and off the backboard reverse slam.

From Barron's

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