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
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.
In his first three seasons in the Premier League, Haaland had only five goals from fast breaks and fewer than five per cent of his shots came from fast breaks. Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 24 Sep. 2025 Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks leads a fast break in the second half against the Indiana Pacers during game three of the first round of the 2025 NBA playoffs at Fiserv Forum on April 25, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Sep. 2025 Standout performers like Amy Okonkwo, who was awarded MVP of the tournament, Promise Amukamara, Ezinne Kalu, and Murjanatu Musa displayed a perfect mix of speed and composure, turning defensive pressure into fast breaks and open shots. Sindiswa Mabunda, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025 New England created several chances off quick counter-attacks and fast breaks, working through Gil and attacking runs from Luca Langoni, Leonardo Campana and Matt Polster. Julian Cardillo, Boston Herald, 10 July 2025 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 29 Sep. 2025.

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