Definition

1. Noun:
   • A version of American football: "touch football" refers to a modified, informal version of the sport of American football.
   • Characterized by touch instead of tackling: The primary distinguishing rule is that the ball carrier is stopped by being touched with one or both hands, rather than by being physically tackled to the ground.

Usage

• "Touch football" is used as a compound noun to name the specific sport or game. It describes the activity itself.
• It is typically played in informal settings like parks, backyards, or on beaches, with simplified rules and minimal equipment.

Examples

• Noun:
  • We used to play touch football every Thanksgiving in the backyard.
  • The rules of touch football make it a safer alternative for children.
  • They organized a quick game of touch football during their lunch break.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used to imply a casual, non-professional, or recreational activity, often contrasted with the full-contact sport.
  • After his knee surgery, he could only participate in touch football.

Variants and Related Words

• Flag football: Another informal variant of American football where a ball carrier is stopped by removing a flag attached to their belt, rather than by touch or tackle.
• Two-hand touch: A common specific rule within touch football requiring the use of both hands to touch the ball carrier.

Synonyms

• Informal football: A general term for non-tackle versions of the sport.
• Recreational football: Emphasizes the non-competitive, playful aspect.

Related Phrases

• To play touch football: The standard verb phrase used with the noun.
  • Do you want to play touch football this weekend?

Noun

1. a version of American football in which the ball carrier is touched rather than tackled