forward pass

NOUN

football pass toward opponent's goal

Synonyms

WEAK

aerial bomb flare flare pass pass pass pattern screen screen pass

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Which is how it quickly instituted some of the most notable shifts in the way the game is played since the adoption of the forward pass.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 26, 2026

France's first try was scored by the electric Louis Bielle-Biarrey, but only after what appeared to be a forward pass in the build-up.

From BBC • Feb. 5, 2026

Each forward pass strengthens the wave, while each backward pass weakens it.

From Science Daily • Jan. 17, 2026

Already, Tipping is as allergic to subtlety as a forward pass right down the middle on the 50-yard line — or whatever football play would be a really obvious one.

From Salon • Sep. 19, 2025

With many teams the attack may be summarized practically in this manner: first and second down, runs; third down, forward pass; fourth down, kick.

From The Forward Pass in Football by Berry, Elmer