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

The Anteaters used a rotation of big men to overwhelm Long Beach at the rim, Jurian Dixon proved to be the best player in the backcourt for either team, and UCI made more than twice as many free throws in a 74-64 victory at the Bren Events Center. —Dan Arritt, Oc Register, 9 Jan. 2026

As a pass-first point guard who takes the majority of his shots from behind the arc, Kawamura could be a natural short-term fix for the Bulls backcourt. —Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 8 Jan. 2026

Christie chose to start Russell Westbrook and Zach LaVine in the backcourt with DeMar DeRozan, Precious Achiuwa and rookie Maxime Raynaud in the frontcourt. —Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 7 Jan. 2026

But the Gators’ backcourt and defense came alive during the second half to lift the Gators. —Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 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