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

See Examples For:

hand-off

Its premiere coincides with the “Reacher” finale drop, with Alan Ritchson showing up in her story to make a secure a hand-off.

From Salon ● Sep. 4, 2026

I have no idea what those plans might be but there has indeed been talk that the Vance hand-off might actually be doable under a certain reading of the constitution.

From Salon ● Mar. 31, 2025

The sight of their hand-off hug all but defined the phrase “power couple.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 21, 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

Winchell fakes the hand-off and goes around the right end on a bootleg, angling for the end zone.

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