backcourt

noun

back·​court ˈbak-ˈkȯrt 

1

: the area near or nearest the back boundary lines or back wall of the playing area in a net or court game

2

a

: a basketball team's defensive half of the court

b

: the positions of the guards on a basketball team

also : the guards themselves

a team with a strong backcourt

Examples of backcourt in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But eventually — barring a trade — with Herro and Mitchell back in the mix, there will only be so much depth required in the backcourt. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 26 Jan. 2026

Mary Tomooka and Victoria Grigsby, the freshman backcourt duo, have been key players. —Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2026

His backcourt running mate, TJ Wansa, had 17 points and did a great job defensively on guard Tekeio Phillips of Birmingham (13-5, 3-1). —Jack Gillespie, Daily News, 24 Jan. 2026

The undersized backcourt upped the tempo and allowed Oklahoma State to play in transition. —Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for backcourt

• abort
• airport
• alport
• athwart
• carport
• comport
• consort
• deport
• distort
• escort
• exhort
• extort

Kids Definition

backcourt

noun

back·​court -ˈkō(ə)rt 

-ˈkȯ(ə)rt

1

: a basketball team's defensive half of the court

2

: the positions of the guards on a basketball team

also : the guards themselves

a team with a strong backcourt