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
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.
The two once again will be one of the most dynamic backcourts in the NBA. Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 13 July 2026 That is what has made this past week-plus so intriguing in the Miami Heat’s backcourt. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 12 July 2026 The Nets’ backcourt crowd has drawn plenty of attention this summer, but the frontcourt is just as packed. C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 12 July 2026 In Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper, the Spurs have two young backcourt stars in the making. Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for backcourt

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of backcourt was in 1884

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Cite this Entry

“Backcourt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backcourt. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

backcourt

noun
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
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