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

See Examples For:

touch football

Quite simply, Guardiola's fingerprints touch football at all levels.

From BBC ● May 18, 2026

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

A wise person once said: can’t choose your parents, but you can choose your touch football team quarterback.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 26, 2025

On a recent morning, National Guards troops — some dressed in full combat fatigues, others in T-shirts and shorts — could be seen exercising, milling about and playing a game of touch football.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 17, 2025

Ray, a few years older, played in the six-man touch football league, sometimes against Caucasian teams who would come in from Lone Pine or Independence.

From "Farewell to Manzanar" by Jeanne Houston