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
Examples of fast break in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Only Leicester City, who were relegated in 18th place (out of 20) and conceded 80 goals in their 38 matches, conceded more xG via fast breaks in the Premier League last season at 8.2.
—
Thom Harris, New York Times, 24 July 2025
The Storm scored 31 points off 24 Sparks turnovers, with 24 of those points coming on fast breaks.
—Anthony De Leon, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2025
Piccoli was part of a Cagliari side who thrived in transition in Italy’s top flight last season, averaging a league-best 14.6 counterattacks per 90 and scoring its third-most goals from fast breaks (seven).
—Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 28 July 2025
The ball fell his way near the top of the penalty area following a fast break.
—Julian Cardillo, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for fast break
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.
Thom Harris, New York Times, 24 July 2025
The Storm scored 31 points off 24 Sparks turnovers, with 24 of those points coming on fast breaks.
—Anthony De Leon, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2025
Piccoli was part of a Cagliari side who thrived in transition in Italy’s top flight last season, averaging a league-best 14.6 counterattacks per 90 and scoring its third-most goals from fast breaks (seven).
—Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 28 July 2025
The ball fell his way near the top of the penalty area following a fast break.
—Julian Cardillo, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for fast break
Cite this Entry
“Fast break.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fast%20break. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share