three-pointer
UK: ˈθriːˌpɔɪntə | US: ˈθriːˌpɔɪntər
n. (Basketball) A shot made from beyond the three-point line, scoring three points.
n. (General) A significant or decisive action or achievement, often in sports or competitive contexts.
The term combines "three," from Old English þrīe (related to the numeral 3), and "point," from Latin punctum (a mark or unit of scoring). The suffix "-er" denotes an object or action (e.g., "scorer" or "maker"). In basketball, the "three-pointer" emerged in the 1960s with the introduction of the three-point line, formalizing shots from long range as a distinct scoring category. The word reflects the sport's evolution toward strategic scoring diversity.
The player secured the win with a clutch three-pointer in the final second.
His accuracy in shooting three-pointers makes him a valuable team asset.
The coach emphasized practicing three-pointers during training.
She set a new record for the most three-pointers in a single game.
The crowd erupted when the rookie landed his first NBA three-pointer.