play-action pass

noun

play-ac·​tion pass
: a pass play in football in which the quarterback fakes a handoff before passing the ball

called also play-action

Examples of play-action 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.
Backup Emari Demercado saw the next touch, and then Mahomes completed a play-action pass to tight end Noah Gray, who made a nice catch in the flat. — Kansas City Star, 4 Aug. 2026 During an early first-team period, Ferrell hunted Malik Willis down from across the field on a play-action pass, closing from the opposite side for a would-be sack. — Tyler M. Carmona, Miami Herald, 3 Aug. 2026 Seventh-round rookie Jam Miller keeps stacking positive days, even flashing in blitz pickup on a Tommy DeVito play-action pass to Mack Hollins. — Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 1 Aug. 2026 The two connected shortly thereafter on a play-action pass for a first down. — Kevin Fishbain, New York Times, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for play-action pass

Word History

First Known Use

1963, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of play-action pass was in 1963

Rhymes for play-action pass

See All Rhymes for play-action pass

Browse Nearby Words

playact
play-action pass
playactor
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Play-action pass.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/play-action%20pass. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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