backcourt

American  

[bak-kawrt, -kohrt] / ˈbækˌkɔrt, -ˌkoʊrt /

noun

1. Basketball. the half of a court in which the basket being defended is located.

2. Tennis. the part of a tennis court between the base line and the line, parallel to the net, that marks the in-bounds limit of a service.

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backcourt British  

/ ˈbækˌkɔːt /

noun

1. tennis the part of the court between the service line and the baseline

2. (in various court games) the area nearest the back boundary line

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Etymology

Origin of backcourt

First recorded in 1765–75; back ¹ + court

Example Sentences

The Lakers waived guard Kobe Bufkin on Friday to open a roster spot for the postseason, possibly to add a veteran guard to bolster backcourt while Doncic and Reaves are out.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2026

The Sparks don’t have a first-round draft pick, so they will need to pursue talent on the robust free agent market or make another trade to bolster their backcourt.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

With Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves sidelined the rest of the regular season, the ailing Lakers will be without their starting backcourt possibly into the playoffs.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 5, 2026

Both of them go to Purdue: Smith and his backcourt teammate Fletcher Loyer.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

“Sure. You and I are in the backcourt together. That’s fine. I like it.”

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy