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inbounds

American  
[in-boundz] / ˈɪnˈbaʊndz /

adjective

  1. Sports. being within the boundaries of a court or field.

  2. Basketball. of or relating to passing the ball onto the court from out of bounds.


Etymology

Origin of inbounds

First recorded in 1960–65; adj. use of prepositional phrase in bounds

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.

See Examples For:

Ajay Mitchell was fouled after the inbounds pass and made two free throws for a 115-110 lead that stood.

From Los Angeles Times May 12, 2026

Green, guarding Leonard, then tipped away the Clippers’ inbounds pass out of a timeout, and Podziemski drove for a three-point play as the visitors hung on.

From Los Angeles Times Apr. 16, 2026

The Wolverines tried to steal the inbounds pass, but Stokes sneaked behind the defense and dunked to clinch it.

From Los Angeles Times Feb. 22, 2025

That’s when Andrew Nembhard threw away the inbounds pass, handing the Celtics yet another chance.

From Seattle Times May 21, 2024

They shrugged and waved us both in and checked the ball inbounds.

From "We Were Here" by Matt De La Peña

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