passing shot

noun

: a stroke (as in tennis) that drives the ball to one side and beyond the reach of an opponent

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Sinner crushed a backhand passing shot past a diving Alcaraz as a standing ovation ensued. Marc Berman, ajc, 1 Apr. 2023 In the third set, with Medvedev serving in the second game at 30-all, Kyrgios fired a forehand passing shot that Medvedev could only deflect with his racket, sending the ball high in the air on his own side of the net. Christopher Clarey, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2022 In fact, Kyrgios had the break point all but secured when his passing shot popped straight up in the air off of Medvedev’s racquet. Dan Wolken, USA TODAY, 5 Sep. 2022 In the tiebreak, Nadal got an early mini-break with a vicious passing shot that Fritz lunged to reach before hitting it long. Adam Zagoria, Forbes, 6 July 2022 Federer has hit much more convincing approach shots in his life, and Djokovic capitalized by coolly flicking a forehand passing shot winner crosscourt. Ben Rothenberg, New York Times, 28 June 2021 After getting broken himself, Nadal surged ahead 3-2 with a brilliant passing shot to earn another break. Adam Zagoria, Forbes, 30 Jan. 2022 Nadal won the game with a forehand passing shot and clenched his fist. Adam Zagoria, Forbes, 30 Jan. 2022 See More

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

1928, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of passing shot was in 1928

Dictionary Entries Near passing shot

Cite this Entry

“Passing shot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/passing%20shot. Accessed 5 Jun. 2023.

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