hand-off

American  

[hand-awf, -of] / ˈhændˌɔf, -ˌɒf /

Or handoff

noun

1. Football.

   1. an offensive play in which a player, usually a back, hands the ball to a teammate.

   2. the ball itself during the execution of such a transfer.

      He fumbled the hand-off.

2. Aviation. the condition or period in which control or surveillance of an aircraft is transferred from one control center to another.

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hand-off British  

noun

1. the act of warding off an opposing player with the open hand

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verb

1. (tr, adverb) to ward off (an opponent) using a hand-off

Etymology

Origin of hand-off

First recorded in 1895–1900; noun use of verb phrase hand off

Example Sentences

D’Amaro’s elevation comes six years after Disney’s disastrous CEO hand-off to then-parks chief Bob Chapek, who was D’Amaro’s boss for many years.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 3, 2026

Sing is probably the best kicker in the Red Roses squad, striking the ball prodigous distances, and is a rangy runner with a powerful hand-off.

From BBC • Sep. 7, 2025

He also wondered if a change of strategy this close to a hand-off of the presidency was wise.

From Salon • Nov. 23, 2024

Patient build-up was followed by a ferocious hand-off from Wales lock Teddy Williams to release Hamer-Webb, who beat three defenders and sprinted away to score against his old team.

From BBC • Dec. 16, 2023

Odell takes the hand-off on a draw at the Permian 30 and cuts to the left side.

From "Friday Night Lights: A Town, A Team, And A Dream" by H.G. Bissinger