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

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 • Nov. 26, 2025

In family touch football, there’s no silliness about the receiver needing to keep both feet or one foot in bounds.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 26, 2025

The spoof opens with the squeaky-clean Manning playing touch football with the group, encouraging everyone in the huddle to practice teamwork and have fun.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 10, 2024

He quickly became the popular young teacher at Pacoima Middle School, who played touch football with the boys after school, broke up fights and could actually teach.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 22, 2023

There, on Ninetieth and Columbus, were a dozen men playing touch football.

From "The Dead and the Gone" by Susan Beth Pfeffer