touch football

noun

1. an informal variety of football in which the touching, usually with both hands, of a ball-carrier by a member of the opposing team results in a down.

touch football

noun

1. an informal version of American football chiefly characterized by players being touched rather than tackled

Word History and Origins

Origin of touch football¹

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

On a recent morning, National Guards troops — some dressed in full combat fatigues, others in T-shirts and shorts — could be seen exercising, milling about and playing a game of touch football.

From Los Angeles Times

He was passionate about sports and, for decades, organized a weekly touch football game with a rotating cast.

From Los Angeles Times

The spoof opens with the squeaky-clean Manning playing touch football with the group, encouraging everyone in the huddle to practice teamwork and have fun.

From Los Angeles Times

He quickly became the popular young teacher at Pacoima Middle School, who played touch football with the boys after school, broke up fights and could actually teach.

From Los Angeles Times

Presidential historian Michael Beschloss wrote about how Theodore Roosevelt was frequently pictured boxing, horseback riding and hiking, while John Kennedy swam, sailed and played touch football despite serious injuries sustained during the war.

From Seattle Times