tiebreaker

[ tahy-brey-ker ]

noun

1. a system for breaking a tie score at the end of regulation play by establishing a winner through special additional play, usually of a fairly short duration, as in tennis and soccer.

Word History and Origins

Origin of tiebreaker¹

First recorded in 1960–65; tie + breaker ¹

Example Sentences

Due to the head-to-head tiebreaker, it would need a two-goal win over Croatia at Hampden on Friday and similar in Poland on Monday.

From BBC

The Dodgers narrowly won the NL West after defeating the Colorado Rockies in a tiebreaker game.

From Los Angeles Times

If that happens, the conference champion would be determined by a series of tiebreakers, including goal differential and total goals scored; the Galaxy have comfortable leads in both categories.

From Los Angeles Times

By virtue of their head-to-head record, the Padres held the tiebreaker over the Dodgers, which means they would have won the division if they finished with the same regular-season record.

From Los Angeles Times

With the tiebreaker, Arizona effectively would have been 3½ games back in the standings.

From Los Angeles Times