jump shot

American  

noun

Basketball.

1. a shot with one or both hands in which a player leaps into the air and shoots the ball at the basket at the moment of reaching the highest point of the leap.

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jump shot British  

noun

1. basketball a shot at the basket made by a player releasing the ball at the highest point of a leap

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Etymology

Origin of jump shot

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

jump shot

Underwood’s ideal athlete was tall but agile, with a smooth dribble and a clean jump shot.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 25, 2026

"These results, they come from hard work in the dark, a lot of sleepless nights trying to figure out how to master my craft and be more consistent with my jump shot."

From Barron's ● Nov. 26, 2025

He honed a pinpoint midrange jump shot and studied opposing offenses to know exactly where to grab steals.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 23, 2025

He pivoted around and through a double team and faded away deep in the shot clock, ready to sink Memphis’ hopes with his signature jump shot.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 1, 2025

I’m worried about my inability to hit a jump shot.

From "Boy21" by Matthew Quick