play-action pass

noun

play-ac·​tion pass
: a pass play in football in which the quarterback fakes a handoff before passing the ball

called also play-action

Examples of play-action pass in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Bengals have gained only 122 yards on play-action passes this season, third fewest in the NFL behind only the Jets and Panthers. Andrew Greif, NBC News, 14 Oct. 2024 The threat of his running made play-action passes especially effective. Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 28 Sep. 2024 One play later, Becht found Jayden Higgins across the middle on a play-action pass for a 16-yard score with 1:27 remaining in the half. Mike Harley, arkansasonline.com, 22 Sep. 2024 The redshirt freshman completed a short play-action pass to Russell over the left side. Tom Murphy, arkansasonline.com, 1 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for play-action pass 

Word History

First Known Use

1963, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of play-action pass was in 1963

Dictionary Entries Near play-action pass

Cite this Entry

“Play-action pass.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/play-action%20pass. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!