shovel pass

noun

: a short underhand pass (as in football)

Examples of shovel 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.
One wrap-around pass on the baseline to Monique Billings for 3 in the corner, and a shovel pass to Kelsey Mitchell for another 3, which was crucial in the Fever’s ferocious comeback to force overtime. Jon Root Outkick, FOXNews.com, 17 May 2026 Penn State used him in other ways, too, on shovel passes and on a fake punt. Sam Khan Jr, New York Times, 15 Apr. 2026 Annese watched Chambliss’ two circus plays against Georgia – a last-second shovel pass while being pursued by two defenders and a mad dash scramble and first-down throw – and laughed. Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 8 Jan. 2026 Otherwise, McDaniels relied on fairly standard pass concepts, including a regular play-action rate and excluding a shovel pass near the goal line. Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 6 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shovel pass

Word History

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shovel pass was in 1940

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shovel pass.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shovel%20pass. Accessed 19 May. 2026.

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