SINCE 1828
tiebreak
noun
tie·break
| \ ˈtī-ˌbrāk
\
\
Definition of tiebreak
: tiebreaker
a tennis tiebreak
Examples of tiebreak in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Wouldn't a super tiebreak (first player to 10 points) have been a more fitting conclusion? — Jon Wertheim, SI.com, "How Does Djokovic's Wimbledon Win Impact His GOAT Status?," 24 July 2019 After almost five hours of tennis, Novak Djokovic of Serbia beat Roger Federer of Switzerland in a fifth-set tiebreak at Wimbledon. — B.f., The Economist, "What is a tiebreak?," 16 July 2019 In grand-slam tennis, the tiebreak—usually triggered when a set reaches six games all—was first introduced at the US Open in 1970. — B.f., The Economist, "What is a tiebreak?," 16 July 2019 In Friday's showdown, Federer came out on the attack and won the first set on a tiebreak 7-3. — Scott Gleeson, USA TODAY, "Roger Federer eliminates rival Rafael Nadal in semis to reach Wimbledon final," 12 July 2019 Receiving the serve on match point, Komatineni ripped a forehand sizzler that left Lofgren flat-footed to win the set 7-6 on the tiebreak and taking the match win. — Luke Feliciano, Cincinnati.com, "In his first-ever appearance, Niraj Komatineni wins 2019 Cincinnati Met singles tournament," 24 July 2019 Until recently most grand-slam competitions eschewed tiebreaks in the final set, but in this year’s tournament Wimbledon adopted them when scores reached 12-12, in order to ensure faster, more television-friendly finishes. — B.f., The Economist, "What is a tiebreak?," 16 July 2019 After playing from behind and struggling to stay level through the third set, Djokovic capitalized on a few loose points by Federer to take the third set on another tiebreak (7-4). — Alaa Abdeldaiem, SI.com, "Novak Djokovic Defeats Roger Federer in Epic Five-Set Match for Fifth Wimbledon Title," 14 July 2019 This marked the first tiebreak finish in Wimbledon history. — Sam Farmer, latimes.com, "Novak Djokovic wins his fifth Wimbledon title in epic defeat of Roger Federer," 14 July 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'tiebreak.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on tiebreak
What made you want to look up tiebreak? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
The Exceptions Quiz III
-
- Which of these words does not mean "nonsense"?
Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
Share tiebreak
Resources for tiebreak