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

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

There, the duo shared time in the backcourt for an up-and-coming Cougars squad.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 23, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

Without Wembanyama, the Spurs showcased their dynamic backcourt, led by Fox.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 11, 2025

On offense we lost the ball on a backcourt violation.

From "Slam!" by Walter Dean Myers