jump ball

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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of jump ball¹

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

With Washington up one and less than a minute to play, forward Rui Hachimura got in Jimmy Butler’s face, fought for a rebound and ended up with a jump ball.

From Washington Post

There’s no reason why we shouldn’t be prepared every game, and there’s no reason why we shouldn’t be ready to go as soon as the jump ball’s in the air.

From Washington Post

The young pitcher had a good delivery of what is known as the jump ball.

From Project Gutenberg

Dean won the game by goin' up and hangin' onto Peg's jump ball.

From Project Gutenberg