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lateral pass

American  

noun

Football.
  1. a short pass thrown or tossed parallel to the line of scrimmage or slightly backward from the position of the passer.


Etymology

Origin of lateral pass

First recorded in 1930–35

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.

See Examples For:

He then received a lateral pass from Stafford and rushed five yards for his second touchdown and a 14-0 lead.

From Barron's Jan. 11, 2026

He took a lateral pass from Williams and rushed for nine yards.

From Los Angeles Times Aug. 27, 2023

Dallas broke through on its third possession, highlighted by Prescott's 41-yard pass over the middle to Cooper and a lateral pass to Lamb that went for 33 yards to the New Orleans 1.

From Fox News Dec. 2, 2021

Amid a six-player scrum around Holtby’s crease, Anthony Cirelli attempted a lateral pass, but the puck hit John Carlson’s skate, changed direction 90 degrees and glided right past Holtby to make it 3-1.

From Washington Times Mar. 20, 2019

Quarterback Bert Henley, calling signals in the huddle, nominated one of Coach Edward's new plays—the lateral pass opening into a forward.

From Interference and Other Football Stories by Sherman, Harold Morrow

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