match point

noun

: a situation (as in tennis) in which one player or side will win the match by winning the next point
also : the point itself

Examples of match point in a Sentence

He won with an ace on his second match point. He won with an ace on match point.
Recent Examples on the Web Bouchard certainly gave Fahey a run in the semis, fending off match points in game two before running out of gas in the deciding game. Todd Boss, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2024 The Trailblazers fought off a match point before pulling out the fourth set to level it at two sets apiece and reeled off three points in a row after the fifth set was deadlocked 12-12. Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2024 Zverev stayed in it, but struck a forehand wide on match point to send Fritz into the last four at a major for the first time in his career. Sam Joseph, CNN, 4 Sep. 2024 Fritz shanked a swinging forehand volley to send it to double match point and then send a forehand into the net. Adam Zagoria, Forbes, 8 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for match point 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'match point.' 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

1921, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of match point was in 1921

Dictionary Entries Near match point

Cite this Entry

“Match point.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/match%20point. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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