double fault

noun

1. (in tennis, squash, handball, etc.) two faults in succession, resulting in the loss of the point, the loss of the serve, or both.

double fault

noun

1. the serving of two faults in succession, thereby losing a point

verb

1. intr to serve a double fault

Word History and Origins

Origin of double fault¹

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

On his serve, compared to his career averages, he hits fewer aces, has slightly more double faults and wins fewer points.

From FiveThirtyEight

In other words, the creative double fault was not its fault.

From The Daily Beast

The player has two chances and to fail in both is called "a double fault."

From Project Gutenberg

I began the match at Wimbledon by serving a double fault, and lost several games by doing the same thing in the first set.

From Project Gutenberg

The caricature has the double fault of not being like and not being amusing.

From Project Gutenberg

Even this was somewhat of a gift, for Hovey started in with a double fault and then drove into the net.

From Project Gutenberg

"Now I'll take three off you, Andy," he cried, and served a double fault.

From Project Gutenberg