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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.


hand-off British  

noun

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

verb

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of hand-off

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

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.

Three tries at this World Cup, including a sharp finish from a strong hand-off against the Black Ferns, mean England wing Dow will have to be on high alert defensively.

From BBC

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

He related the story of his botched hand-off on the podcast he hosts with his brother, “New Heights.”

From Salon

Greco, who previously served as the City Hall Asian Affairs adviser and has been in New York City politics for more than a decade, said the hand-off was a cultural misunderstanding.

From Salon

They moved on to executing roll-out passes, stretched with the team and then did hand-off drills with running backs.

From Los Angeles Times