touchback

English - English

Definition of touchback in English English dictionary

The result of a play (usually a kickoff or punt) in which the ball passes out the back of the end zone or a team otherwise gains possession of the ball in their own end zone

The ball sailed into the end zone for a touchback and the Eagles had possession on the 20-yard line.

(American football) a play in which the opposing team has kicked the football into your end zone

The act of touching the football down by a player behind his own goal line when it received its last impulse from an opponent; distinguished from safety touchdown

{i} trapping of offensive team in its own goal area (Football)

Hyphenation

touch·back

Etymology

[ 't&ch-"bak ] (noun.) circa 1890. Presumably: touchdown + back