tipoff

American  

[tip-awf, -of] / ˈtɪpˌɔf, -ˌɒf /

noun

Basketball.

1. a jump ball that begins each period.

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Etymology

Origin of tipoff

First recorded in 1910–15; tip ⁴ + (kick)off

Example Sentences

After a tipoff that a major new oil discovery had been made in Hutchinson County, some 50 miles northeast of Amarillo, the businessman and developer A.P.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

But Auriemma suggested that he’d been stewing since before the opening tipoff.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

Just before tipoff, former President Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama were introduced to a standing ovation.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 15, 2026

It didn’t help that the Bruins were shorthanded from tipoff.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 6, 2026

Something aroused Washkar’s suspicions as the party neared Qosqo—perhaps his discovery that Atawallpa had stayed in Ecuador with most of the Inka army, perhaps a tipoff from a loyal uncle whom the conspirators had approached.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann