tiebreaker

[ tahy-brey-ker ]
/ ˈtaɪˌbreɪ kər /

noun

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.
Often tie·break.

Origin of tiebreaker

First recorded in 1960–65; tie + breaker1

Example sentences from the Web for tiebreaker

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

    Why I Love Wimbledon |Condoleezza Rice |July 3, 2009 |DAILY BEAST