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.
Hillmon set a season high with 17 points, including a team-high three three-pointers. — Christopher Harris, CBS News, 19 June 2026 Brunson rose for a deep three-pointer that misfired, but Anunoby weaved through traffic and tipped the ball in for a one-point lead to secure the win. — Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 11 June 2026 Conwell doesn’t hesitate to put up threes either, taking nearly 10 three-pointers per game last season. — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 25 June 2026 Kelsey Mitchell poured in 26 points and hit her 700th career three-pointer, sparking a wild fourth-quarter run to tie it late. — Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2026 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

Rhymes for three-pointer

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Browse Nearby Words

three-ply
three-pointer
three-point landing
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Cite this Entry

“Three-pointer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/three-pointer. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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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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