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
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
The obscure rule allows a team to kick immediately after a fair catch and if it goes through the uprights and over the crossbar, it counts as a three-point field goal for the kicking team.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 23, 2024
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
The only remaining way to advance the ball is on a free-kick after a fair catch, as in the English game.
From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 10, Slice 5 "Fleury, Claude" to "Foraker" by Various
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.
