Definition

Noun: A designated, additional segment of playing time in a sporting event, added after the regulation game time has ended with the scores tied. The purpose is to determine a winner.

Usage

The term "overtime period" is used to specify the extra time played to break a tie. It is a countable noun, often preceded by articles like "an" or "the." It refers to the specific block of time itself.

Examples

• The game was so close it went into an overtime period.
• The winning goal was scored in the second overtime period.
• According to the rules, the match will have a single five-minute overtime period.

Advanced Usage

• "to go into overtime period(s)": To require extra time to be played after a tied regulation game.
  • The championship final had to go into multiple overtime periods.
• "during/in the overtime period": Specifying when an event happened within that extra time.
  • The veteran player scored the decisive points in the overtime period.

Variants and Related Words

• Overtime (n.): A more general term for the concept of extra playing time. "Overtime period" specifies a distinct segment of that time.
  • They won the game in overtime.
• Extra time (n.): A synonym commonly used in sports like soccer (football).
• Sudden death (n.): A specific type of overtime format where the first team to score immediately wins the game.

Synonyms

Extra time, additional period, tiebreaker period.

Notes

While the reference example mentions basketball, an "overtime period" is a concept used in many timed sports with a clear winner/loser outcome, such as American football, hockey, and soccer (where it is often called "extra time"). The length and number of permitted overtime periods are defined by the rules of each specific sport.

Noun

1. a period of overtime play to resolve a tie; e.g. basketball