skyhook

American  

[skahy-hook] / ˈskaɪˌhʊk /

noun

1. a fanciful hook imagined to be suspended in the air.

2. any of various lifting devices, as one hung from a helicopter, designed to lift heavy loads to distances beyond the reach of a jib crane.

3. a high, arching hook shot in basketball.

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Etymology

Origin of skyhook

First recorded in 1910–15; sky + hook ¹

Example Sentences

His skyhook offloads and change of pace have added another dimension to Saracens' game this season as the Premiership leaders show more ambition and adventure with ball in hand.

From BBC • Dec. 9, 2022

The master of the skyhook remains the leading scorer in NBA history.

From Fox News • Dec. 16, 2021

While his rejection of Abdul-Jabbar’s skyhook is often mentioned when fans talk about Willoughby, he said his career highlight was playing in the 1981 NBA Finals.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 8, 2021

It became one of the lasting images of the series, along with Abdul-Jabbar’s unstoppable skyhook and Worthy’s slick baseline moves.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 19, 2020

And they aren't alone; so do the people of the Aeronautical Division of General Mills who launch and track the big skyhook balloons.

From The Report on Unidentified Flying Objects by Ruppelt, Edward J.