forward pass

noun

: a pass (as in football) made in the direction of the opponent's goal

Examples of forward 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.
Teams are permitted to throw two forward passes on one play, but the first pass must be completed behind the line of scrimmage. Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 7 Oct. 2025 The Giants challenged the forward pass ruling from Mahomes, and it was ruled a Mahomes fumble that was recovered by Pacheco at the Chiefs’ 24. Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2025 Another irresponsible throw turned fumble by Patrick Mahomes Rohan Nadkarni For the second time tonight, Patrick Mahomes was a little reckless with a throw behind the line of scrimmage, throwing a backwards lateral as opposed a forward pass. Andrew Greif, NBC news, 22 Sep. 2025 Once the model exists, the marginal cost of each inference is relatively low - just the computational resources needed to run the forward pass. Anjana Susarla, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for forward pass

Word History

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of forward pass was in 1890

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Forward pass.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forward%20pass. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

forward pass

noun
: a pass in football thrown in the direction of the opponent's goal

More from Merriam-Webster on forward pass

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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