free safety

noun

: a safety in football who has no particular receiver to cover in a man-to-man defense

Examples of free safety 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.
Indianapolis Colts free safety Cam Bynum wound up the beneficiary, easily plucking the ball out of the sky and returning it for a touchdown Saturday evening. James Boyd, New York Times, 28 July 2025 When the Ravens defense was struggling last season, Hamilton had to stay deep at free safety more to stop teams from beating them over the top. Ted Nguyen, New York Times, 23 July 2025 Don’t be surprised if Woodson makes an early run at real playing time early in the season, specifically at free safety. Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 22 July 2025 The 6-foot, 202-pound defensive back has experience as a free safety and strong safety. Mike Defabo, New York Times, 9 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for free safety

Word History

First Known Use

1958, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of free safety was in 1958

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Cite this Entry

“Free safety.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/free%20safety. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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