jump ball
Word Rarity
Uncommon
Frequency: Zipf frequency 4.53 in modern English
21
Scrabble Score
8
Letters
1
Syllables
7
Unique Chars
Meaning
noun
A method used to begin or resume play in basketball. Two opposing players attempt to gain control of the ball after it is tossed up into the air in between them by an official.
noun
Metaphor for a contest too close to call.
Example Sentences
- "After any dead ball, play shall be resumed by a jump ball, a throw-in or by placing the ball at the disposal of a free-thrower."
- "The morning after Election Day, the Oregon governor's race is still a jump ball, but ex-NBA player Chris Dudley is clinging to a slim lead."