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

Former Terps coach Kevin Willard felt comfortable using him in the full-court press and alongside another big man in Julian Reese. —Sam Jane, Baltimore Sun, 24 June 2025

Marshall is an excellent rim protector but can also defend on the perimeter — the Trojans even used her at the top of their full-court press. —Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025

Finding a rhythm with second-year pro Anthony Black in Orlando’s full-court press, Harris recorded at least one steal 17 times and two-or-more steals seven times. —Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 May 2025

This retro aesthetic now defines a reborn British underground, one that has been in a full-court press for the last few weeks. —Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 21 Mar. 2025

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