double fault

noun

: two consecutive serving faults in tennis that result in the loss of a point

Examples of double fault 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.
Williams hit a 121-mph ace to hold 3-3 in the first set but later had a double fault that led to the only break of the set. Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026 The 25-year-old from Poland hit four double faults in the second set, including one on the way to being broken for 1-0, and then a couple more as Townsend went up 3-0. Ava Wallace, New York Times, 30 June 2026 When play resumed, Swiatek broke, but yet another double fault coupled with more unforced errors brought her opponent back at 1-1. ABC News, 31 May 2026 The Italian grabbed the first set in the tiebreak when Alcaraz struck a costly double fault set point down. Adam Zagoria, Forbes.com, 12 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for double fault

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1909, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of double fault was circa 1909

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Double fault.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/double%20fault. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster