double-team

verb

dou·​ble-team ˈdə-bəl-ˌtēm How to pronounce double-team (audio)
double-teamed; double-teaming; double-teams

transitive verb

: to block or guard (an opponent) with two players at one time
double-team noun

Examples of double-team in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Unfortunately, McDaniels' plan to slow Garrett — featuring regular double-teams and/or chips from tight ends and running backs — was not effective whatsoever. Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 28 Oct. 2025 During a Steelers kickoff, Pittsburgh’s Ben Skowronek was double-teamed by two Packers players. Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2025 After getting blown up by a double-team block on a passing play, Ray bounced back and made a pair of run stops around the line of scrimmage over the span of just four plays. Mike Kaye october 9, Charlotte Observer, 9 Oct. 2025 But the best has to go to the 6-foot-4, 347-pound Lawrence, who, while being double-teamed, got his hands up to deflect a Justin Herbert pass, batting it into the air, came off the double-team, snatched the ball out of the air and rumbled 37 yards before getting toppled. Mike Jones, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for double-team

Word History

First Known Use

1860, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of double-team was in 1860

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Cite this Entry

“Double-team.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/double-team. Accessed 2 Nov. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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