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Tiebreak

UK //ˈtaɪˌbreɪk// US //ˈtaɪˌbreɪk// Pronunciation

Definition

A game or round that determines the winner when scores are tied.

Listen to definition

In simple words: A way to decide a winner when a game is tied.

Examples

• The final match ended in a tie, so they played a tiebreak to determine the champion.
• The players were neck and neck, leading to a tense tiebreak situation.
• After a long night, they finally reached the tiebreak, the atmosphere electric.
• In our chess playoff, if we tie, we will go into a tiebreak format to decide who advances.

Usage notes

Used primarily in sports and competitions. Suitable for both casual and formal contexts when discussing game rules.

Grammar pattern

tiebreak + object

Memory hint

Think of a tie needing a 'break' to find a winner.

Collocations

• play a tiebreak
• tiebreak round
• tiebreak match
• tiebreak score
• final tiebreak

Synonyms

• tiebreaker
• deciding game
• tie-resolution
• playoff
• final round

Common mistakes

• Confused with 'tiebreaker' which is often used interchangeably but can imply different contexts.
• Using 'tiebreak' in non-competitive scenarios.
• Mispronouncing 'tiebreak' as two separate words.