end zone

[ end zohn ]

noun

1. Football. an area at each end of the field between the goal line and the end line. Compare red zone ( def 1 ).
2. Ice Hockey. an area at each end of the rink between the goal line and the closer of the two blue lines. Compare neutral zone ( def ).

end zone

noun

1. American football the area behind the goals at each end of the field that the ball must cross for a touchdown to be awarded

Word History and Origins

Origin of end zone¹

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

It was the first time that combination has been kept out of the end zone in more than two years.

From Los Angeles Times

In last week’s 30-27 defeat to the Buffalo Bills, he displayed his athleticism by intercepting a pass that bounced off a receiver’s chest near the end zone.

From Los Angeles Times

Giving the Chargers a 13-7 lead going into halftime, Herbert handed the ball to center Bradley Bozeman and the offensive lineman’s spike nearly dented the turf in the end zone.

From Los Angeles Times

The play would have left the Bruins with a four-point lead, but Iowa accepted the penalty and continued its march to the end zone.

From Los Angeles Times

Although the Chargers kept the New Orleans Saints out of the end zone last week, the 117 yards allowed on the ground “left a bad taste in our mouth,” Mack said.

From Los Angeles Times