three-pointer

noun

three-point·​er ˈthrē-ˈpȯin-tər How to pronounce three-pointer (audio)
: a basketball shot or field goal from beyond the three-point line

Examples of three-pointer 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.
Atlanta won the game on a game-winning three-pointer from Caleb Houstan with 13 seconds left in the extra period to turn a two-point deficit into a one-point lead. Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 14 Oct. 2025 Loyd, Gray and Evans made three straight three-pointers early in the second quarter to put Las Vegas ahead by 19. Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2025 James opted out in 2014 after winning titles in 2012 and 2013, thanks in part to the addition of Ray Allen — a Hall of Famer who hit a game-tying three-pointer in Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals against San Antonio. Sean Gentille, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025 This is the time to be surrounded by fans decked out in purple and orange, shouting at the screens and celebrating every three-pointer. Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 3 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for three-pointer

Word History

First Known Use

1962, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of three-pointer was in 1962

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Three-pointer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/three-pointer. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

three-pointer

noun
: a basketball shot or field goal from beyond the three-point line
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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