tip-in I. \ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷\noun (-s) Etymology:tip (II) : tip I 3b II. noun (-s) Etymology:tip (VI) : a score made in basketball by deflecting the ball into the basket with the fingertips < both guards trail the forward … for possible follow-up shots and tip-ins — G.K.Loveless >