front court

American  

noun

1. the section of the court nearest the front wall in certain games, as squash or handball.

2. Basketball.

   1. a team's offensive half of the court.

   2. the players who play offensively in the front court, including the center and the two forwards.

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Etymology

Origin of front court

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

Musselman has already managed to remake the Trojans’ now-supersized front court with six new transfer wings and forwards, all of whom are 6-foot-6 or taller.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2025

The ball went to Young in the backcourt, who dribbled into the front court and knocked down a 29-footer over Brown.

From Washington Times • Apr. 25, 2023

The bigger problem for the Hawkeyes was the call meant a fourth personal foul for the junior scoring sensation, moments after front court leader Monika Czinano had picked up her fourth.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 2, 2023

Michigan State: Izzo said senior forward Malik Hall will be out “a while,” with a foot injury that is potentially a major setback for a team that lacks front court depth.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 16, 2023

A couple of gazelles played in this front court, while we, reposing on a divan, arranged round the first chamber of the tomb, were favoured with a most commanding view of the valley outspread beneath.

From Sketches by Disraeli, Benjamin, Earl of Beaconsfield