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 Minnesota Timberwolves lost their entire starting backcourt during their first-round upset victory over Denver.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

Reaves’ return will help stabilize the Lakers’ shorthanded backcourt that is still without Luka Doncic.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 29, 2026

Trailing by three with 25 seconds left, James pressured the ball in the backcourt, forcing a turnover that gave L.A. the ball back.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 26, 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

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

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy