tip-off

1 of 2

noun (1)

ˈtip-ˌȯf 

1

: warning, tip

2

: a telltale sign

tip-off

2 of 2

noun (2)

: the act or an instance of putting the ball in play in basketball by a jump ball

Synonyms of tip-off

Noun (1)

• warning

Examples of tip-off in a Sentence

Noun (1)

the retreat of the island's wildlife to higher ground was a tip-off that a tsunami was about to strike

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

That was a major tip-off as to how tonight’s episode would end. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 16 Aug. 2026

James and Brown, 29, will get to show off their new teamwork as part of the starting five alongside longtime 76ers stars Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe during their tip-off game, according to NBC’s release. — Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 11 Aug. 2026

Both Sidney and Reg were long since dead when Pettifor first began pursuing his tip-off. — Phil Hay, New York Times, 17 July 2026

Lisa Leslie and Kym Hampton were at center court for the pregame tip-off. — Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 22 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

tip entry 8

Noun (2)

tip entry 5

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1901, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1922, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for tip-off

• ashraf
• checkoff
• cutoff
• falloff
• handoff
• kickoff
• layoff
• liftoff
• markoff
• markov
• payoff
• playoff

Kids Definition

tip-off

1 of 2 noun

ˈtip-ˌȯf

1

: a warning that something is going to happen

2

: a telltale sign

tip-off

2 of 2 noun

: the start of a basketball game when the ball is thrown in the air and a player from each team jumps up and tries to get the ball