touch-and-go

1 of 2

noun

ˌtəch-ən(d)-ˈgō How to pronounce touch-and-go (audio)
: an airplane landing followed immediately by application of power and a takeoff and usually executed as one of a series for practice at landings

touch and go

2 of 2

adjective

: unpredictable as to outcome : uncertain
it was touch and go there for a while

Examples of touch-and-go 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.
Noun
The visit was touch-and-go for weeks as negotiations about security and accommodations hinted at ongoing squabbles. — Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 24 July 2026 The path to approval of Moderna’s flu vaccine has been touch-and-go. — Berkeley Lovelace Jr, NBC news, 18 June 2026
Adjective
Everton are looking to replace the former, and could ideally do with someone coming in before the opening game against Crystal Palace, given Garner is touch and go for the start of the season too. — Luke Bosher, New York Times, 31 July 2026 Spring in New England is often touch and go, and this one’s been particularly iffy. — Gretta Monahan, Boston Herald, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for touch-and-go

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1945, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1800, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of touch-and-go was in 1800

Rhymes for touch-and-go

See All Rhymes for touch-and-go

Browse Nearby Words

touch all the bases
touch-and-go
touch and go
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Cite this Entry

“Touch-and-go.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/touch-and-go. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

touch and go

adjective
: not certain of having a good result
it was touch and go there for a while
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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