jump ball

American  

noun

Basketball.

1. a ball tossed into the air above and between two opposing players by the referee in putting the ball into play.

---

jump ball British  

noun

1. basketball a ball thrown high by the referee between two opposing players to put it in play, as after a stoppage in which no foul or violation was committed

---

Etymology

Origin of jump ball

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

jump ball

He expects all three to be even more aggressive this time around, “given the potential jump ball for assets and routes.”

From Barron's ● May 1, 2026

The jump ball was tipped by two defenders into the waiting arms of Fonseca, who calmly grabbed it out of midair — shocking even his own teammates.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 29, 2025

He throws up what looks like a jump ball until you realize the pass actually is directed to a leaping receiver.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 17, 2024

Why: All polling seems to suggest that this is a complete jump ball of a race.

From Slate ● Nov. 5, 2024

Then I’m on the bench watching Wes win the jump ball, which he tips to Russ, who dribbles toward the basket.

From "Boy21" by Matthew Quick