shot clock
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of shot clock
First recorded in 1980–85
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.
The shot clock was running out, a defender was draped all over him, and he had no option left but a desperate leaning heave.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 4, 2026
With his confidence growing, he started pulling up earlier in the shot clock.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 16, 2026
It’s something he believes helped him during UCLA’s recent victory over Oregon, when he briefly lost the ball late in the shot clock, got it back, spun and stepped back into a three-pointer.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 10, 2025
"I was a bit more used to the shot clock again but it was good."
From BBC • Feb. 9, 2025
“Majidi is on the attack! The shot clock is winding down, the game is tied up, he’s on a fast streak to the hoop, and BANG! He’s won the game for the Boston Celtics!”
From "Here to Stay" by Sara Farizan
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
