double dribble

American  

noun

1. an infraction, resulting in loss of possession of the ball, occurring either when a player uses both hands simultaneously when dribbling or when a player interrupts a dribble by holding the ball momentarily in one or both hands.

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verb (used without object)

double dribbled, double dribbling

1. to commit a double dribble.

verb (used with object)

1. to commit a double dribble with (the ball).

Etymology

Origin of double dribble

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

The team’s leading scorer dribbled the ball out of bounds and turned the ball over on a double dribble early in the first quarter.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2023

But Caldwell-Pope hesitated as he took a step beyond the arc and then tried to get back behind it — double dribble.

From Washington Post • Dec. 6, 2021

First, the Cavaliers’ Ty Jerome appeared to get away with a double dribble.

From Washington Post • Apr. 8, 2019

Also, Russell led a four-on-one fastbreak and was called for a double dribble after trying to get too creative with a behind-the-back move.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 25, 2015

Until recently, pivot—an elegant little word centered around an evocative hinge of a V—called to mind necks, Ross Geller, and avoiding the double dribble.

From Slate • May 28, 2015