keep-away
noun
: a game in which two or more players try to keep an object (such as a ball) from one or more other players
Examples of keep-away in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
One way to neutralize the pair is to play keep-away with the ball.
—
Jeff Miller, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2023
Michigan has banked five 10-win seasons since Harbaugh arrived in 2015, and all five teams played keep-away at an elite level.
—Jimmy Watkins, cleveland, 13 Sep. 2023
But with the Netherlands dominating possession and playing keep-away in the midfield, the Americans’ 18-game unbeaten streak was in danger.
—Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 27 July 2023
Lil Hancock won the decisive draw, and Westwood played keep-away to run out the clock and cement a thrilling, 10-9, Division 1 semifinal victory at Walpole High.
—Trevor Hass, BostonGlobe.com, 13 June 2023
Coyle’s ability to wear down teams by way of his distinct game of keep-away translates at the other end of the frozen sheet.
—Conor Ryan, BostonGlobe.com, 22 Apr. 2023
Jeff Miller, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2023
Michigan has banked five 10-win seasons since Harbaugh arrived in 2015, and all five teams played keep-away at an elite level.
—Jimmy Watkins, cleveland, 13 Sep. 2023
But with the Netherlands dominating possession and playing keep-away in the midfield, the Americans’ 18-game unbeaten streak was in danger.
—Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 27 July 2023
Lil Hancock won the decisive draw, and Westwood played keep-away to run out the clock and cement a thrilling, 10-9, Division 1 semifinal victory at Walpole High.
—Trevor Hass, BostonGlobe.com, 13 June 2023
Coyle’s ability to wear down teams by way of his distinct game of keep-away translates at the other end of the frozen sheet.
—Conor Ryan, BostonGlobe.com, 22 Apr. 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'keep-away.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1960, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near keep-away
Cite this Entry
“Keep-away.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/keep-away. Accessed 7 Dec. 2023.
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