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

Clark's backcourt running mate Kelsey Mitchell also had a strong shooting night, going 9 for 18 from the field to record 28 points. — Chantz Martin Outkick, FOXNews.com, 29 July 2026

Throw in Alex Caruso, and the Thunder's overall backcourt depth is still fine. — Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

Dort and Dyson Daniels might be the best defensive backcourt in the NBA, but can those two stretch the floor enough to keep defenses honest? — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 27 July 2026

And Clark didn’t let up, darting around the backcourt like a pest as the opposition brought the ball up the United Center floor, not doing too much as much as trying to do something. — Brian Hamilton, New York Times, 26 July 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
• disport
• distort
• escort
• exhort

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