Meaning
A shot that misses the backboard, rim and net entirely.
Etymology
Origin: Unknown
* From air + ball. * The first recorded use of the "airball" chant was on February 24, 1979, during a college basketball game between the Duke University Blue Devils and the North Carolina Tar Heels after the Tar Heels' Rich Yonakor took a shot which missed the rim.
NYT Puzzle Appearances
Accepted in 5 recorded puzzles: