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
That too remains a jump ball, especially as Democrats continue to cry foul over the possibility of the Trump administration taking more steps to claw back on a partisan basis funds that had passed the Senate with bipartisan support.
—
Al Weaver, The Hill, 15 Oct. 2025
Humphrey lacks speed, but the 6-foot-4, 225-pounder used his size to snag a 34-yard jump ball on third-and-12 to keep the Giants’ opening possession alive.
—Dan Duggan, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
On Miami’s next drive, Tagovailoa trusted Waller in another big spot, throwing a jump ball to Waller — a pass which might have sailed through the back of the end zone if intended for any other player on the roster — on fourth down to stretch the Dolphins’ lead to 10-0 in the first.
—David Wilson, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2025
The young gunslinger loved throwing jump balls to Kayshon Boutte, 6-foot-4 veteran wideout Mack Hollins, and tight end Hunter Henry.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 6 Sep. 2025
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Al Weaver, The Hill, 15 Oct. 2025
Humphrey lacks speed, but the 6-foot-4, 225-pounder used his size to snag a 34-yard jump ball on third-and-12 to keep the Giants’ opening possession alive.
—Dan Duggan, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
On Miami’s next drive, Tagovailoa trusted Waller in another big spot, throwing a jump ball to Waller — a pass which might have sailed through the back of the end zone if intended for any other player on the roster — on fourth down to stretch the Dolphins’ lead to 10-0 in the first.
—David Wilson, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2025
The young gunslinger loved throwing jump balls to Kayshon Boutte, 6-foot-4 veteran wideout Mack Hollins, and tight end Hunter Henry.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 6 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for jump ball
Cite this Entry
“Jump ball.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jump%20ball. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.
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