triple-team
verb
tri·ple-team
ˈtri-pəl-ˌtēm 
triple-teamed; triple-teaming; triple-teams
: to block or guard (an opponent) with three players at one time
triple-team
noun
Examples of triple-team in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
With Adebayo getting the ball in the post on the Heat’s first possession, the Wizards triple-teamed him.
—
Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 4 Apr. 2026
Different game: No sooner did Adebayo touch the ball on the game’s first possession then the Wizards threw a triple-team at him, forcing a pass.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 4 Apr. 2026
That didn't last long, as Fielder often saw double-teams, triple-teams and junk defenses that became standard by the latter stretch of the season.
—Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 29 Mar. 2026
The Highlanders’ 6-2 senior point guard averaged 25 points, five rebounds and four assists a game while being frequently double- and triple-teamed.
—Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 26 Mar. 2026
Not only did nearly half of his points come from the free-throw line (a league-record 36), but there was an extreme effort to force-feed him through double- and triple-teams late when the game was well in hand.
—Sam Amick, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2026
Willis wasn’t complaining about getting double and sometimes triple-teamed inside.
—Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026
Kelce caught four passes despite, as the docuseries mentioned, being triple-teamed at one point.
—Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 19 Dec. 2025
The Vaqueros are triple-teaming Cunningham, giving the Longhorns time to find a good shot.
—Zoe Collins Rath, Austin American Statesman, 10 Dec. 2025
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Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 4 Apr. 2026
Different game: No sooner did Adebayo touch the ball on the game’s first possession then the Wizards threw a triple-team at him, forcing a pass.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 4 Apr. 2026
That didn't last long, as Fielder often saw double-teams, triple-teams and junk defenses that became standard by the latter stretch of the season.
—Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 29 Mar. 2026
The Highlanders’ 6-2 senior point guard averaged 25 points, five rebounds and four assists a game while being frequently double- and triple-teamed.
—Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 26 Mar. 2026
Not only did nearly half of his points come from the free-throw line (a league-record 36), but there was an extreme effort to force-feed him through double- and triple-teams late when the game was well in hand.
—Sam Amick, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2026
Willis wasn’t complaining about getting double and sometimes triple-teamed inside.
—Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026
Kelce caught four passes despite, as the docuseries mentioned, being triple-teamed at one point.
—Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 19 Dec. 2025
The Vaqueros are triple-teaming Cunningham, giving the Longhorns time to find a good shot.
—Zoe Collins Rath, Austin American Statesman, 10 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Triple-team.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/triple-team. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
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