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.

---

touch football British  

noun

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

---

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

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

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 26, 2025

He was passionate about sports and, for decades, organized a weekly touch football game with a rotating cast.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 25, 2025

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

From "Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown" by Steve Sheinkin