backboard

American  

[bak-bawrd, -bohrd] / ˈbækˌbɔrd, -ˌboʊrd /

noun

1. a board placed at or forming the back of anything.

2. Basketball. a board or other flat vertical surface to which the basket is attached.

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backboard British  

/ ˈbækˌbɔːd /

noun

1. a board that is placed behind something to form or support its back

2. a board worn to straighten or support the back, as after surgery

3. (in basketball) a flat upright surface supported on a high frame, under which the basket is attached

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Etymology

Origin of backboard

First recorded in 1755–65; back ¹ + board

Example Sentences

But Bryant repeatedly missed his final dunk, a between the legs and off the backboard reverse slam.

From Barron's • Feb. 14, 2026

Or, they could lurk around the backboard, as president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman likes to say, in case his market develops differently than expected.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 19, 2024

Embiid had the ball in the lane, threw it off the backboard to pass it to himself, rose up and slammed it down with 2:49 remaining in the second quarter.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 20, 2024

“If we play elite offense, elite defense and beat you on the backboard, we’re tough to beat,” Hurley said.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 5, 2024

The park was just about empty and I moved around the key putting up jumpers that rattled against the old metal backboard.

From "Slam!" by Walter Dean Myers