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.
Pittsburgh traded its starting free safety, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and a 2027 fifth-round selection to the Miami Dolphins for safety Jalen Ramsey, tight end Jonu Smith, and a 2027 seventh-round pick. Kambui Bomani, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025 According to Pro Football Focus, Simmons played 166 snaps in the box, 137 on the defensive line, 65 at slot corner, eight at outside corner and two at free safety in 2023 with the Giants. Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 16 June 2025 The 26-year-old inked a four-year, $60 million deal to take over as Indy’s new starting free safety. James Boyd, New York Times, 19 June 2025 He’s played free safety (and) did some punt returning. James Boyd, New York Times, 28 Apr. 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 8 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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