jump ball

noun

: a method of putting a basketball into play by tossing it into the air between two opponents who jump up and attempt to tap the ball to a teammate
also : a ball put into play in this manner

Examples of jump ball in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Recognizing that, Fifita and McMillan worked up a new tactic to throw at Hunter last fall: the jump ball. Sean Keeler, The Denver Post, 18 Oct. 2024 At 6-foot-4, Vele wins jump balls, shows no fear in traffic and runs routes worthy of Google Maps. Troy Renck, The Denver Post, 14 Aug. 2024 These passes weren’t toss-ups or jump balls — Jackson hit receivers perfectly in stride. Mike Preston, Baltimore Sun, 13 Aug. 2024 Essentially, the state remains a jump ball, and one that is tough to catch and even tougher to hold. Philip Elliott, TIME, 8 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for jump ball 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'jump ball.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1924, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of jump ball was in 1924

Dictionary Entries Near jump ball

Cite this Entry

“Jump ball.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jump%20ball. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on jump ball

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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