Basketball Terminology

noun a set of data or instructions that are grouped together for a specific purpose in computing

verb to prevent something from happening or succeeding

• The city council decided to install a new concrete block on the street for added safety.
• I parked my car in front of the building, right next to the yellow block.
• I can't believe he blocked me on social media just because I disagreed with him.
• Her negative attitude is like a mental block preventing her from seeing the bright side of things.

noun a dish of meat, vegetables, etc., cooked in a sauce containing a mixture of spices, typically including turmeric, cumin, and coriander

verb to prepare or flavor with a sauce containing a mixture of spices

• The chef prepared a delicious curry with a blend of aromatic spices.
• I'm craving some curry for dinner tonight.
• Let's grab some curry and catch up over lunch.
• Her speech was a spicy curry of controversial opinions.

noun a type of bread roll

verb to slam or forcefully put something into a container or receptacle

• The basketball player executed a perfect dunk during the game.
• I can't wait to see him dunk on the other team!
• He totally posterized that defender with a sick dunk!
• She decided to take a risk and dunk her toes into the world of entrepreneurship.

noun a gradual decline or decrease

adverb in a manner indicating a decrease or decline

• As time passed, the support for the controversial policy began to fall away.
• I noticed that some of my friends started to fall away when I needed them the most.
• I can't believe he let his responsibilities fall away like that.
• When faced with adversity, some people tend to let their determination fall away.

noun a number equivalent to the sum of one plus one

adjective equivalent to the sum of one plus one; one more than one

• There are two main theories that explain this phenomenon.
• I have two tickets to the concert, do you want to come?
• I'll catch you later, two thumbs up for your performance!
• The two sides of the argument are like oil and water, they just don't mix.

noun a word (other than a pronoun) used to identify any of a class of people, places, or things

verb a word used to describe an action, state, or occurrence

adverb a word or phrase that modifies or qualifies an adjective, verb, or other adverb

preposition a word governing, and usually preceding, a noun or pronoun and expressing a relation to another word or element in the clause

article a word that is used with a noun to specify grammatical definiteness of the noun

• The artist decided to go hard in the paint to create a masterpiece.
• I'm going to go hard in the paint on this project and get it done quickly.
• When it comes to playing basketball, you have to go hard in the paint to win.
• She's not afraid to go hard in the paint when it comes to pursuing her goals.

noun a missed shot in basketball that fails to hit the rim or backboard and only touches air

• The basketball player attempted a shot but it resulted in an airball.
• I can't believe he airballed that shot, it was way off!
• She totally airballed that free throw, what a fail.
• His argument was so weak, it was like throwing an airball in a debate.

noun a basketball term referring to a performance in which a player accumulates a double-digit number in three of five statistical categories - points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocked shots

• The basketball player achieved a rare feat by recording a triple double in last night's game.
• Did you see that player get a triple double? They were on fire!
• That player just dropped a triple double like it was nothing.
• She managed to pull off a triple double of tasks at work today, impressing everyone with her efficiency.

noun a type of apartment or building in which the main entrance is accessed by walking up a flight of stairs

• The police are investigating a walk-up shooting that occurred in the downtown area.
• Did you hear about the walk-up shooting on Main Street last night?
• There was a crazy walk-up shooting at the party last weekend.
• The sudden increase in competition was like a walk-up shooting in the business world.

noun a basketball shot made by leaping from the ground close to the basket and releasing the ball with one hand

verb to make a lay-up shot in basketball

• The basketball player executed a perfect lay-up during the game.
• He made an easy lay-up in the game yesterday.
• She nailed that lay-up like a pro!
• Making a lay-up in this project is just the first step towards success.

noun a slang term for someone who is skilled or successful, especially in sports or music

• The basketball player was known as a skilled baller on the court.
• My friend is such a baller when it comes to playing soccer.
• That guy is a real baller - he always shows off his fancy car and designer clothes.
• She's a baller in the business world, always closing deals and making things happen.