tiebreaker

American  

[tahy-brey-ker] / ˈtaɪˌbreɪ kər /

Often tiebreak

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.

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Etymology

Origin of tiebreaker

First recorded in 1960–65; tie + breaker ¹

Example Sentences

“If it’s not clear whether you need a medicine to help lower your cholesterol or your risk, a scan can be a helpful tiebreaker.”

From The Wall Street Journal

This can be hard to figure out in 50/50 custody arrangements, and so some families revert to the parent who provides the most financial support as a tiebreaker.

From MarketWatch

The Lakers have climbed from sixth to third in the Western Conference in two weeks, netting critical tiebreakers against rivals Minnesota, Denver and Houston.

From Los Angeles Times

The critical conference game will decide the head-to-head tiebreaker between the teams that are separated by half a game in the standings.

From Los Angeles Times

With the win and a tiebreaker against Denver, the Lakers moved into fifth in the Western Conference.

From Los Angeles Times