: a line on a basketball court forming an arc at a set distance (such as 22 feet) from the basket beyond which a field goal counts for three points

Examples of three-point line in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
They’re applied at varying levels on a Z-axis, creating a series of ripples engineered for aerodynamics and also representing Clark’s prowess from behind the three-point line. — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 14 Sep. 2026 Brady was grouped with Novak Djokovic and eventual overall winner Justin Bieber (both of whom hit multiple shots from the three-point line). — David Betancourt, New York Times, 20 July 2026 And to put into perspective how long ago that was, in 1973 hockey players didn't wear helmets, basketball had no three-point line. — Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 16 July 2026 The indoor half basketball court, complete with a three-point line and barreled ceilings overhead, is complemented by a full gym and steam room. — Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for three-point line

Word History

First Known Use

1977, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of three-point line was in 1977

Cite this Entry

“Three-point line.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/three-point%20line. Accessed 25 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

three-point line

noun
: a line on a basketball court forming an arc at a set distance (as 22 feet) from the basket beyond which a field goal counts for three points
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