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.
Arkansas had pulled within 38-35 moments earlier on a 4-yard touchdown pass from Green to former Texas A&M tight end Jaden Platt, and converted a 2-point play with a shovel pass to tight end Rohan Jones. Matt Jones, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2025 Rice caught a shovel pass from Patrick Mahomes on the Chiefs’ first drive of their Week 7 matchup. Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2025 Sparry completed a shovel pass to Sawchuk, who was hit by Stanford linebacker Matt Rose and hit the ground just before the ball reached the end zone. Harold Gutmann, Mercury News, 19 Oct. 2025 Gavin Sawchuk may or may not have crossed the goal line on a shovel pass. Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025 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 24 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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