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.
Young scored the second goal in the 37th minute off of a short forward pass from Mia Sanchez. Lou Ponsi, Oc Register, 17 Dec. 2025 There is his technical skill, not just in defending but in using the ball, darting forward passes through the opposition lines. Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 3 Dec. 2025 But this is the same guy who re-introduced the forward pass to P.J. Fleck’s Gophers football program. Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 29 Nov. 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 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 29 Dec. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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