touch football

American  

noun

1. an informal variety of football in which the touching, usually with both hands, of a ball-carrier by a member of the opposing team results in a down.

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touch football British  

noun

1. an informal version of American football chiefly characterized by players being touched rather than tackled

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Etymology

Origin of touch football

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

They clean and rake and turn what was the site of dozens of touch football games and barbecues into a golf course.

From Los Angeles Times

Whether it’s a group stroll, touch football game on the lawn, quick bike ride, run, or impromptu dancing to “Shake It Off,” moving your body aids digestion, regulates blood sugar, eases tension and promotes relaxation.

From Salon

I fear touch football has become the last nonradioactive subject matter at Thanksgiving.

From The Wall Street Journal

In a couple of weeks Cooper Jr.’s catch will be poorly “recreated” at Thanksgiving touch football games by out of shape goofballs like me who have no business playing any football.

From The Wall Street Journal

This was a man who could barely stand to lose a game of touch football.

From Literature