tiebreaker

American  

[tahy-brey-ker] / ˈtaɪˌbreɪ kər /

Often tiebreak

noun

1. a system for breaking a tie score at the end of regulation play by establishing a winner through special additional play, usually of a fairly short duration, as in tennis and soccer.

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Etymology

Origin of tiebreaker

First recorded in 1960–65; tie + breaker ¹

Example Sentences

Mira Costa ended Redondo Union’s 18-match winning streak and evened up the league standings, but the Mustangs gained the tiebreaker by virtue of fewer sets lost head-to-head.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2026

Both teams have two games remaining and the Lakers have the head-to-head tiebreaker.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

This can be hard to figure out in 50/50 custody arrangements, and so some families revert to the parent who provides the most financial support as a tiebreaker.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 23, 2026

The New England Patriots won on Sunday but had to settle for second spot with Denver owning the tiebreaker and they will host the Chargers, who rested their starters, next week in Foxborough.

From BBC • Jan. 5, 2026

Since only two teams could go to the playoffs, the district’s tiebreaker rule went into effect: a coin toss.

From "Friday Night Lights: A Town, A Team, And A Dream" by H.G. Bissinger