fast break

noun

: a quick offensive drive toward a goal (as in basketball) in an attempt to score before the opponent's defense is set up
fast-break intransitive verb

Examples of fast break in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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In the waning seconds of the half, Harolyn Castillo forced a steal, leading to a fast break opportunity for Pittsfield. Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 15 Mar. 2026 Ahead of tipoff against the Warriors, Hart attributed his absence to an awkward landing on a fast break finish in the Knicks’ March 8 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 15 Mar. 2026 As James watched in bemusement, Buzelis surged upcourt with the ball in tow, slinging a pass to guard Yuki Kawamura to advance an unguarded fast break. Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2026 The Zags' defense also was critical to outscoring Oregon State 16-0 on the fast break. ABC News, 9 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fast break

Word History

First Known Use

1929, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fast break was in 1929

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fast break.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fast%20break. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026.

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