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
Preston: The Ravens need to find a quality speed threat on the outside who can make the difficult catch in traffic or win a jump ball.
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Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 18 Mar. 2024
At 6-3, Johnson is big enough to contest jump balls.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 3 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for jump ball 
Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 18 Mar. 2024
At 6-3, Johnson is big enough to contest jump balls.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 3 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for jump ball
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'jump ball.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Jump ball.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jump%20ball. Accessed 1 Jun. 2024.
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