shot clock: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Specialized, Technical (Sports), occasionally Informal/Figurative
Quick answer
What does “shot clock” mean?
A countdown timer used in basketball that limits the amount of time an offensive team has to attempt a shot.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A countdown timer used in basketball that limits the amount of time an offensive team has to attempt a shot.
A time constraint or deadline metaphorically applied to any situation where a decision or action must be taken within a fixed period.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is American in origin due to the sport's prominence there. In British contexts, it is understood primarily through exposure to American sports media. The literal use is less frequent in UK sports culture.
Connotations
In American English, it strongly connotes basketball strategy and pressure. In British English, if used, it often carries a more explicit metaphorical or borrowed-American-sports sense.
Frequency
High frequency in American sports discourse; low to medium frequency in British English, mostly in contexts discussing basketball or as a figurative borrowing.
Grammar
How to Use “shot clock” in a Sentence
The [TEAM] is against the shot clock.He [VERB: made/took/forced] a shot before the shot clock [VERB: expired/ran out].They [VERB: reset/started] the shot clock.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “shot clock” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They were shot-clocked into taking a bad three-pointer.
American English
- The defense shot-clocked them into a turnover.
adjective
British English
- A shot-clock violation decided the match.
American English
- It was a classic shot-clock situation at the end of the quarter.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"The merger negotiations have a real shot clock on them due to the market conditions."
Academic
Rare, except in sports science: "The introduction of the shot clock significantly increased the game's pace."
Everyday
"I've got a shot clock to get this report done before the meeting." (Figurative, informal)
Technical
"After an offensive rebound, the shot clock resets to 14 seconds in FIBA rules."
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “shot clock”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “shot clock”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “shot clock”
- Using 'shot clock' to refer to a stopwatch or any timer (it's specific to basketball's offensive time limit).
- Confusing 'shot clock' with 'game clock' (which tracks total game time).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
24 seconds.
Yes, it is commonly used as a metaphor for any pressing deadline or time limit, especially in business and media.
No, they are analogous but sport-specific. A play clock gives time to start a play; a shot clock gives time to attempt a shot.
If the offensive team has not attempted a shot that hits the rim, it is a violation, and possession goes to the other team.
A countdown timer used in basketball that limits the amount of time an offensive team has to attempt a shot.
Shot clock is usually specialized, technical (sports), occasionally informal/figurative in register.
Shot clock: in British English it is pronounced /ˈʃɒt ˌklɒk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈʃɑːt ˌklɑːk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Playing against the shot clock”
- “The shot clock is ticking (figurative)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a basketball SHOT being taken as a CLOCK counts down from 24 seconds. 'SHOT needs a CLOCK.'
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A RESOURCE UNDER PRESSURE / A TASK IS A SPORTS PLAY UNDER TIME CONSTRAINTS.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of a shot clock in basketball?