free safety

noun

: a safety in football who has no particular receiver to cover in a man-to-man defense

Examples of free safety in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
When the Ravens defense was struggling last season, Hamilton had to stay deep at free safety more to stop teams from beating them over the top. Ted Nguyen, New York Times, 23 July 2025 Don’t be surprised if Woodson makes an early run at real playing time early in the season, specifically at free safety. Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 22 July 2025 The 6-foot, 202-pound defensive back has experience as a free safety and strong safety. Mike Defabo, New York Times, 9 July 2025 Pittsburgh traded its starting free safety, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and a 2027 fifth-round selection to the Miami Dolphins for safety Jalen Ramsey, tight end Jonu Smith, and a 2027 seventh-round pick. Kambui Bomani, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for free safety

Word History

First Known Use

1958, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of free safety was in 1958

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Cite this Entry

“Free safety.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/free%20safety. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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