tiebreaker

American  

[tahy-bray-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

See Examples For:

tiebreaker

Imagine them playing a tiebreaker, only for the winning team to be told at the end, yeah you’re both moving into the playoffs, we made a deal, the game didn’t count.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 2, 2026

But on this day, they had to try to deliver victory in a California tiebreaker, with the ball placed on the 50-yard and the team that advanced the ball farthest after alternating plays wins.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 23, 2026

After seizing control in the first-set tiebreaker, Fritz roared to a 3-0 lead with a pair of service breaks in the second.

From Barron's ● Aug. 3, 2026

Fifa also changed the first tiebreaker for teams level on points from goal difference to head to head.

From BBC ● Jun. 29, 2026

If you need a sudden death tiebreaker, you can be very complicated, but you have to be fair.

From "Ida B" by Katherine Hannigan