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
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
With the shot clock winding down, UCLA’s Sebastian Mack drove and was fouled with 30 seconds left.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 21, 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
The shot clock is winding down, and I need to say something.
From "The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas
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.
