: a line on a basketball court forming an arc at a set distance (such as 22 feet) from the basket beyond which a field goal counts for three points

Examples of three-point line in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
With the Heat’s starting group built around the duo of Adebayo and Antetokounmpo, outside shooting is needed throughout the rest of the lineup to help create space for Adebayo and Antetokounmpo inside the three-point line. — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2026 They’re applied at varying levels on a Z-axis, creating a series of ripples engineered for aerodynamics and also representing Clark’s prowess from behind the three-point line. — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 14 Sep. 2026 Brady was grouped with Novak Djokovic and eventual overall winner Justin Bieber (both of whom hit multiple shots from the three-point line). — David Betancourt, New York Times, 20 July 2026 And to put into perspective how long ago that was, in 1973 hockey players didn't wear helmets, basketball had no three-point line. — Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for three-point line

Word History

First Known Use

1977, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of three-point line was in 1977

Cite this Entry

“Three-point line.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/three-point%20line. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

three-point line

noun
: a line on a basketball court forming an arc at a set distance (as 22 feet) from the basket beyond which a field goal counts for three points
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