force play

noun

baseball
: a play in which a runner is forced to advance to the next base when the batter puts the ball in play and can be put out if a fielder holding the ball touches the base before the runner reaches it

Examples of force play 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.
But now, having reined in his recklessness and compulsion to constantly create and force plays, the Patriots have developed an elite prospect into a promising pro passer. Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 14 Oct. 2025 Again, this is a byproduct of his attempting to force plays to happen. James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Sep. 2025 Augustin Ramirez walked leading off the Miami fourth and Liam Hicks hit into a force play. Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2025 Despite the risk that comes with an aggressive approach, the Cubs’ 18 outs on the bases — which doesn’t include pickoffs, caught stealing or force plays — rank 19th in the majors. Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 10 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for force play

Word History

First Known Use

1912, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of force play was in 1912

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Cite this Entry

“Force play.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/force%20play. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

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