full-court press

noun

ˈfu̇l-ˈkȯrt- 

1

: a press employed in basketball on both halves of the court

2

: an all-out effort or offensive

Examples of full-court press in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Vuitton is plotting a full-court press throughout 2026 around the motif’s origins, with special-edition anniversary collections backed by dedicated campaigns, pop-ups and other animations and surprises. —Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 4 Feb. 2026

For those who don't know, Bucky Ball demands high intensity on both ends of the floor — a fast tempo on offense and a full-court press on defense. —Tony Catalina, Austin American Statesman, 30 Jan. 2026

The Lightning began a full-court press for an outdoor game after Tampa hosted the NHL All-Star Game in 2018, putting up billboards pitching an outdoor game for league officials to see on their way out of town. —Eduardo A. Encina, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Jan. 2026

El Modena plays a full-court press defense and an up-tempo offense. —Dan Albano, Oc Register, 27 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for full-court press

• abs
• acquiesce
• ancestress
• authoress
• coalesce
• decompress
• dispossess
• faithfulness
• letterpress
• mayoress
• murderess
• nonetheless