shot clock

American  

noun

1. a clock used in basketball games to limit to a specific length the time taken between shots.

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Etymology

Origin of shot clock

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

But as the game progressed, the USC defense forced Cal Poly to run out the shot clock on multiple occasions and caused 27 turnovers while scoring 39 points off of them.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 19, 2025

Six golf balls, a shot clock with music blaring, and a WWE-style belt for a prize.

From BBC • Jul. 29, 2025

She complained to the umpire that she could not see the shot clock, which tells players how long they have left to serve before the 25 second allowance runs out.

From BBC • Jan. 14, 2025

Up in the final few minutes, the Lakers tried to bleed the clock by in-bounding the ball with it running, the shot clock not yet triggered.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 6, 2024

The shot clock is winding down, and I need to say something.

From "The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas