bank shot

noun

1
: a shot in billiards and pool in which a player banks the cue ball or the object ball
2
: a shot in basketball played to rebound from the backboard into the basket

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Anna Richards scored eight straight points during the run, including two 3-pointers from the left side and a bank shot from 5 feet out. Wright Wilson, Detroit Free Press, 19 Mar. 2023 Her bank shot gave the Torreys a 62-61 lead. Terry Monahan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Mar. 2022 In Game 3, George’s half-court bank shot at the third-quarter buzzer freshened up his 9-for-26 shooting line considerably and crucially nudged the Clippers’ lead to 80-69, giving them the fourth-quarter edge that led to the Suns’ first loss since May 27. New York Times, 25 June 2021 Damian Lillard hit a bank shot with 7:32 remaining to give the Blazers a 95-93 lead but that would be their final basket of the night. oregonlive, 6 Jan. 2023 Her bank shot bumped the margin to 40-34 and sparked an 11-3 run to close the game. Ben Thomas | Bthomas@al.com, al, 28 Feb. 2023 That's an attenuated hook, a bank shot, insufficient to overcome the powerful case for confirmation. Elie Honig, CNN, 21 Mar. 2022 Wisconsin Badgers forward Johnny Davis after Chucky Hepburn's bank shot lifted the Badgers past Purdue at the Kohl Center on March 1 and guaranteed a share of the Big Ten title. Jr Radcliffe, Journal Sentinel, 25 Dec. 2022 The Aztecs led 70-69 when Bradley scored on a bank shot in traffic. San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Jan. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'bank shot.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bank shot was in 1859

Dictionary Entries Near bank shot

Cite this Entry

“Bank shot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bank%20shot. Accessed 5 Jun. 2023.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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