double-team

verb

dou·​ble-team ˈdə-bəl-ˌtēm How to pronounce double-team (audio)
double-teamed; double-teaming; double-teams

transitive verb

: to block or guard (an opponent) with two players at one time
double-team noun

Examples of double-team in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web But the Spartans sniffed it out, double-teaming LeDee and forcing Butler to instead pass to Trammell in the right corner. Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Feb. 2024 His coverage abilities were met by double-teams and triple-teams over that span. Oliver Thomas, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2024 The five-time Pro Bowl selection consistently wrecks opponents' game plans, his 20% pass-rush win rate trailing only the Los Angeles Rams' Aaron Donald among defensive tackles despite his league-high 72% double-team rate, according to ESPN. Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2024 Lopez was essentially playing two-time league MVP Nikola Jokić one-on-one (with some help at times), and then Antetokounmpo and Portis would take turns with timely double-teams. Jim Owczarski, Journal Sentinel, 30 Jan. 2024 In the half court, Holy Cross often double-teamed the Lady Jackets and deflected passes that led to turnovers. Brendan Connelly, The Enquirer, 27 Jan. 2024 He's been a beast on the football field, despite getting double-teamed in a three-man front. Richard Obert, The Arizona Republic, 25 Jan. 2024 Mackenzie Holmes, facing double-teams on every touch, has 6 points and 2 rebounds. Scott Horner, The Indianapolis Star, 21 Jan. 2024 Down one with 12 seconds to play, Towns attacked another double-team, only to be stuffed at the rim. Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 23 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'double-team.' 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

1860, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of double-team was in 1860

Dictionary Entries Near double-team

Cite this Entry

“Double-team.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/double-team. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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