free safety

noun

: a safety in football who has no particular receiver to cover in a man-to-man defense

Examples of free safety 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.
The two positions that will be under most duress against Freeman could be TCU’s nickel and free safety positions. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Oct. 2026 Two plays from junior free safety Jake Martin proved his coach right after the 14-7 victory. — Caleb Otte, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2026 Quarterback/free safety Mark Durden has rushed for 455 yards and five touchdowns on 42 carries. — Todd Holcomb, AJC.com, 24 Sep. 2026 Tillmon spent the first three years of his college career in Vermillion at the University of South Dakota, primarily playing as a free safety as the Coyotes advanced to the quarterfinals or further in the FCS playoffs all three seasons. — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 17 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for free safety

Word History

First Known Use

1958, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of free safety was in 1958

Rhymes for free safety

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Browse Nearby Words

free run
free safety
free sample
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Cite this Entry

“Free safety.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/free%20safety. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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