fast break

noun

: a quick offensive drive toward a goal (as in basketball) in an attempt to score before the opponent's defense is set up

fast-break

ˈfas(t)-ˌbrāk 

intransitive verb

Examples of fast break in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

After coming up empty on a fast break, James crashed into a Philadelphia 76ers fan behind the basket and took a a sip of the fan's wine during Philadelphia's 126-107 win over the Chicago Bulls on Monday night. — CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026

Howard went up for a layup on a fast break and was on the receiving end of a hard foul by Veronica Burton, with the Golden State player knocking Howard to the ground after a blow to the face. — Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 29 Oct. 2026

Ross started the second-half scoring, too, with another two handed flush off a pass from Demary, who started the fast break chance with his second steal of the game. — Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 28 Oct. 2026

The Valkyires allowed opponents to get in transition on only 14 percent of possessions; their discipline on offense prevents fast breaks in the other direction. — Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1929, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for fast break

• awake
• backache
• beefsteak
• betake
• cheesecake
• cupcake
• daybreak
• earthquake
• forsake
• gouache
• handshake
• headache