deuce

\ ˈdüs

How to pronounce deuce (audio)

also ˈdyüs \

Definition of deuce

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a(1) : the face of a die that bears two spots

(2) : a playing card bearing an index number two

b : a throw of the dice yielding two points

2 : a tie in tennis after each side has scored 40 requiring two consecutive points by one side to win

3 [obsolete English deuce bad luck]

a : devil, dickens —used chiefly as a mild oathwhat the deuce is he up to now

b : something notable of its kind a deuce of a mess

deuce

deuced; deucing

Definition of deuce (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

: to bring the score of (a tennis game or set) to deuce

Examples of deuce in a Sentence

Noun She beat her opponent after eight deuces.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun Muguruza subsequently dropped serve from 40-15 -- missing a backhand near the net at deuce after Kenin's return skimmed the tape and then double faulting on break point -- and Kenin didn't look back. — Ravi Ubha, CNN, "Sofia Kenin wins first grand slam title after beating Garbine Muguruza in the Australian Open final," 1 Feb. 2020 Declarer won — Grapefruit followed with the deuce — and led the queen of trumps, losing the finesse. — Frank Stewart, The Mercury News, "Bridge: Aug. 25, 2019," 25 Aug. 2019 Neal Skupski — the brother of former Breakers player Ken Skupski — then served out the match for the Empire in a deuce game. — Matt Szabo, Daily Pilot, "Orange County Breakers can’t close out match against New York Empire," 24 July 2019 But instead of forcing a tough deuce over the contest of Theis and a rotating Gordon Hayward, Sexton snapped an on-the-money seamer to Cedi Osman on the left wing. — Chris Fedor, cleveland, "Cavaliers strive to emulate Celtics’ style as Brad Stevens gushes about John Beilein, Cleveland’s growth," 6 Nov. 2019 Run line: The deuce with a hook is out for this one: Miami +2.5 runs, -167. — Skip Snow, USA TODAY Sportsbook Wire, "Milwaukee Brewers at Miami Marlins odds, picks and betting tips," 10 Sep. 2019 Popyrin led 40-15 before being pegged back to deuce, then saved four break points before succumbing on the fifth. — David Hulmes, San Diego Union-Tribune, "Djokovic advances in Japan after doubles exit," 1 Oct. 2019 At Trick Two, Holmes shifted to the deuce of spades. — Frank Stewart, The Mercury News, "Bridge: Sept. 22, 2019," 22 Sep. 2019 At deuce, Nadal played a deft drop shot for a winner to set up his third match point. — Daniel Rapaport, SI.com, "Big Three's Dominance Continues (for Now) After Rafael Nadal Captures Another Major," 9 Sep. 2019 Recent Examples on the Web: Verb After the game went to deuce five times, Andreescu hit a backhand into the net to give Williams the advantage and Williams won the game with a forehand, cutting Andreescu’s lead to 4-3. — Los Angeles Times, "Column: U.S. Open: Bianca Andreescu knocks off Serena Williams in straight sets," 7 Sep. 2019 Although the first three games went at least to deuce, Osuigwe quickly asserted command in going up a break. — Craig Davis, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Bradenton's Whitney Osuigwe dominates Orange Bowl tennis final, looks to pros," 11 Dec. 2017 Television broadcasts showed that Kerber’s shot had, in fact, landed out, which would have brought the score to deuce. — Ben Rothenberg, New York Times, "Serena Williams Loses Bid for 23rd Major and Her No. 1 Ranking SEPT. 8, 2016," 8 Sep. 2016

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'deuce.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

14 Feb 2020

Cite this Entry

“Deuce.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deuce. Accessed 17 Feb. 2020.

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