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
But his attacks on the front-runner have already changed the dynamic of an election nearly two months away: It's got Rogers playing keep-away, trying to protect his lead.
—
Todd Spangler, Detroit Free Press, 7 June 2024
During the road trip finale against the Florida Panthers, the Hawks were on the business end of a game of keep-away.
—Phil Thompson, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2025
Thursday’s launch then got pushed back by about half an hour when a boat strayed into the keep-away zone designed offshore for mariners’ safety.
—Rob Pegoraro, PCMAG, 16 Jan. 2025
The Stars held possession for a good chunk of it, playing keep-away, sparking cheers from the crowd.
—Joe Smith, The Athletic, 27 Dec. 2024
Advertisement Patrick Mahomes played keep-away the rest of the game.
—Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times, 9 Dec. 2024
Giants 20, Buffalo Bills 19 New York played keep-away from Buffalo's explosive K-Gun offense, holding the ball for nearly 41 minutes, and got nice efforts from MVP Ottis Anderson (102 yards, TD) and backup QB Jeff Hostetler.
—Nate Davis, USA TODAY, 23 Feb. 2024
The Niners must keep Mahomes from winning it, which means playing keep-away, and the Chiefs have a better rush defense.
—Nick Canepa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Feb. 2024
One way to neutralize the pair is to play keep-away with the ball.
—Jeff Miller, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2023
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.
Todd Spangler, Detroit Free Press, 7 June 2024
During the road trip finale against the Florida Panthers, the Hawks were on the business end of a game of keep-away.
—Phil Thompson, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2025
Thursday’s launch then got pushed back by about half an hour when a boat strayed into the keep-away zone designed offshore for mariners’ safety.
—Rob Pegoraro, PCMAG, 16 Jan. 2025
The Stars held possession for a good chunk of it, playing keep-away, sparking cheers from the crowd.
—Joe Smith, The Athletic, 27 Dec. 2024
Advertisement Patrick Mahomes played keep-away the rest of the game.
—Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times, 9 Dec. 2024
Giants 20, Buffalo Bills 19 New York played keep-away from Buffalo's explosive K-Gun offense, holding the ball for nearly 41 minutes, and got nice efforts from MVP Ottis Anderson (102 yards, TD) and backup QB Jeff Hostetler.
—Nate Davis, USA TODAY, 23 Feb. 2024
The Niners must keep Mahomes from winning it, which means playing keep-away, and the Chiefs have a better rush defense.
—Nick Canepa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Feb. 2024
One way to neutralize the pair is to play keep-away with the ball.
—Jeff Miller, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2023
Cite this Entry
“Keep-away.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/keep-away. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share