jump ball

noun

: a method of putting a basketball into play by tossing it into the air between two opponents who jump up and attempt to tap the ball to a teammate
also : a ball put into play in this manner

Examples of jump ball 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.
As Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump wrap up one of the wildest and closest presidential contests in modern American history, final polls continue to suggest a jump ball race, in which no respected analyst is willing to declare a likely victor. David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024 Stevenson was supposed to be getting in position, ready to box out wide receiver Noah Brown behind a jump ball. Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2024 Payton helped key a 14-2 run with a pair of steals and by forcing a jump ball. Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 25 Oct. 2024 Recognizing that, Fifita and McMillan worked up a new tactic to throw at Hunter last fall: the jump ball. Sean Keeler, The Denver Post, 18 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for jump ball 

Word History

First Known Use

1924, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of jump ball was in 1924

Dictionary Entries Near jump ball

Cite this Entry

“Jump ball.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jump%20ball. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on jump ball

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!