noun
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tennis the part of the court between the service line and the baseline
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(in various court games) the area nearest the back boundary line
Etymology
Origin of backcourt
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.
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
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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.