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Glite Dictionary
👂 Able to be heard 🏈 Changed play
audible

audible

5 7.7
A change of play the quarterback says at the line before the play begins
  • noun
  • /ˈɔːdəbəl/
  • Jargon
translation icon : audible
  • During the game, the coach instructed the team to audible after seeing the opposing team's formation.
  • call audibles
  • quarterback called an audible
  • audible at the line

Examples

  • The quarterback decided to audible the original play to catch the defense off guard.

  • Falco calls an audible at the line of scrimmage... and Cochran nearly takes it in for touchdown.

    The Replacements (2000)

  • "I called an audible on that play," said Monette.

    Blog text (3)

  • Westside defense calling an audible, brings in both linebackers.

    Radio (2003)

  • It appears the Eagles are calling a last-second audible changing the play.

    Invincible (2006)

  • In a tight game situation, the quarterback called an audible to adjust the play at the last moment.

Synonyms

Omaha
vsaudible
  • Jargon
9.5

A short spoken signal a quarterback shouts to change a play

is the general verbal change of a play after both teams are set

Idioms

to call an audible
  • Informal
4 7.9

Change plans quickly at the last minute when something goes wrong

Surface Forms

audible singular
audibles plural

Etymology

Audible (the football term) comes from the same root audire 'to hear' and was used for something said out loud. So an audible is a play the quarterback calls at the line that the team must hear, which is why we call that spoken change an audible.