match point

noun

: a situation (as in tennis) in which one player or side will win the match by winning the next point
also : the point itself

Examples of match point in a Sentence

He won with an ace on his second match point. He won with an ace on match point.
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.
However, Jansen went on a spirited run to push the match to 10-7 before giving up match point. Todd Boss, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025 In the final match of pool play Friday, the Falcons (5-2) had match point in the second set against San Clemente, but lost 19-25, 27-25, 18-16. Tim Meehan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Mar. 2025 Admittedly the punishment might have been more for the apparent threat than the taboo language, but she was docked a point — which happened to be match point, handing the win to a bemused Kim Clijsters — and later fined $10,500 (£6,300 at the time). Nick Miller, The Athletic, 21 Feb. 2025 Swiatek also held a match point against Keys in the semifinals at Melbourne, so there’s a level of frustration carried over that adds to the fatigue. Tim Ellis, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for match point

Word History

First Known Use

1921, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of match point was in 1921

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Cite this Entry

“Match point.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/match%20point. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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