half-court

noun

ˈhaf-ˈkȯrt How to pronounce half-court (audio)
ˈhäf-
: a dividing line that separates a playing court into equal halves (as in basketball)
also : the area comprising each half

Examples of half-court 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.
The new training facility features two full basketball courts and eight total baskets, making the setup amenable for full-court scrimmages as well as half-court drills and individual workouts. — Mark Medina, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026 The high schooler also hit four half-court shots, including the game winner in the final. — Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 28 July 2026 The story was made better because Banks played a huge role in helping Team Washington win, including hitting two shots near half-court in the first round. — Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 2026 The officials of all stripes got out of the way and the stars were allowed to be stars, though the steady stream of half-court heaving got a little tedious before Theresa Witherspoon’s All-Stars beat Cynthia Cooper’s 129-121. — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 26 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for half-court

Word History

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of half-court was in 1926

Rhymes for half-court

See All Rhymes for half-court

Browse Nearby Words

half-course
half-court
half cousin
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Half-court.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/half-court. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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