fair catch
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of fair catch
First recorded in 1855–60
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.
Menon was heard explaining: "We checked for fair catch because we felt it was off the glove but he says it is off the helmet."
From BBC • Dec. 18, 2025
The Colts fumbled a fair catch on a pooch kick.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 7, 2025
Since many teams start possessions on their 25-yard line after a fair catch, they often find themselves facing a 4th-and-1 at their own 34-yard line.
From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 17, 2025
Green Bay’s Elijah made a fair catch on a Chicago punt with seconds remaining in the first half.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 20, 2024
RULES.—It is considered a fair catch for any baseman, including the captain, if the ball be caught on a bound either from the floor, ceiling, or any other object, or from hitting another player.
From Games for the Playground, Home, School and Gymnasium by Bancroft, Jessie Hubbell
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
