Standard Lemma guide

touchback

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

noun

Meaning 1

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.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: American-football, ball-games, football, games, hobbies, lifestyle, sports

Examples

  • The ball sailed into the end zone for a touchback and the Eagles had possession on the 20-yard line. https://web.archive.org/web/20060111202354/http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/gameday/postGameArchive.jsp?id=16746

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

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

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: football play

History

Etymology

Presumably: touchdown + back