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

They hold the tiebreaker advantage after beating the Seahawks last month.

From Washington Post

They’re the team to beat in the NFC East now, with four straight victories and the tiebreaker advantage over Washington.

From Washington Post

If one of the candidates really doesn’t want the job but still manages to win in the tiebreaker, Haas said, he could then quit the position and allow the school board to appoint a replacement – presumably the other guy.

From Voice of San Diego

If one of the candidates really doesn’t want the job but still manages to win in the tiebreaker, Vu said, he could then quit the position and allow the school board to appoint a replacement – presumably the other guy.

From Voice of San Diego

Tennessee also has a tiebreaker over Buffalo because it beat the Bills in Week 5.

From Washington Post

Or maybe Serena and Venus will finally play the match of their lives—three sets with no tiebreaker in a 10-8 third.

From The Daily Beast