tie-break
Britishnoun
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tennis a method of deciding quickly the result of a set drawn at six-all, usually involving the playing of one deciding game for the best of twelve points in which the service changes after odd-numbered points
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any contest or game played to decide a winner when contestants have tied scores
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.
However, in the tie-break, Sinner upped his first serves and after squandering the first of two set points, an Alcaraz double fault gave him the initiative in the match.
From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026
Norrie bounced back from a 3-0 deficit in the second set to force a tie-break which he won to force a deciding set.
From BBC • Mar. 22, 2026
The Briton broke his rival's next service game but, serving for the match at 5-4 up, was broken back as the match went to a tie-break.
From BBC • Mar. 12, 2026
The first set rumbled towards a tie-break as neither Alcaraz nor Khachanov was able to force a breakthrough on the other's serve.
From Barron's • Feb. 19, 2026
Popyrin fought hard in the second but could not force a tie-break as Sinner broke to grab a 6-5 lead before confidently serving out the set.
From Barron's • Feb. 18, 2026
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.
