backcourt

noun

back·​court ˈbak-ˈkȯrt 

1

: the area near or nearest the back boundary lines or back wall of the playing area in a net or court game

2

a

: a basketball team's defensive half of the court

b

: the positions of the guards on a basketball team

also : the guards themselves

a team with a strong backcourt

Examples of backcourt in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Lakers have stocked their team with versatile perimeter defenders to help complement their offensive-minded backcourt of Doncic and Reaves. — Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026

The matchup between Jonquel Jones and Reese will be decisive, as will the backcourt matchup between Gray and Pauline Astier and Sabrina Ionescu. — Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 3 Oct. 2026

After drafting another guard in Gabriela Jaquez and bringing in Diggins and DiJonai Carrington in free agency, the Sky backcourt was almost out of room. — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 24 Sep. 2026

Boatright was a key member of the 2014 UConn national title team, starring in the backcourt alongside Shabazz Napier. — Kels Dayton, Hartford Courant, 15 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for backcourt

• abort
• airport
• alport
• athwart
• carport
• comport
• consort
• deport
• disport
• distort
• escort
• exhort

Kids Definition

backcourt

noun

back·​court -ˈkō(ə)rt 

-ˈkȯ(ə)rt

1

: a basketball team's defensive half of the court

2

: the positions of the guards on a basketball team

also : the guards themselves

a team with a strong backcourt