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.
The Lions couldn't help him with play-action passes because the line couldn't open holes for Gibbs or David Montgomery. — CBS News, 18 Nov. 2025 The only thing that may be crazier than the actual football life is this satirical comedy-drama that has more to do with a hedonistic existence than play-action passes. — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 6 Feb. 2026 The Seahawks scored on a play-action pass from Darnold to Barner for a 16-yard touchdown, increasing their lead to 19-0. — Doug Kyed, Hartford Courant, 9 Feb. 2026 The Jets under Engstrand focus on a physical, aggressive style that likes quarterbacks to use a blend of RPOs, zone reads and play-action passes. — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 8 Jan. 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 Jul. 2026.

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