red rover


noun
  1. a children's game in which two teams, some distance apart, face each other and take turns designating an opposing player to run toward their line. Any player who fails to break through their clasped hands becomes a member of that team.

Origin of red rover

1
An Americanism dating back to 1890–95

Words Nearby red rover

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use red rover in a sentence

  • Boys will be playing red rover in motorcycle jackets, cuffed jeans, monogrammed slip-on sneakers, and wrap-around shades.

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  • He had left in Wantagh the old scow, dignified by the name of "houseboat" to which was attached the further title of "red rover."

  • The "red rover" in its coat of bright new paint looked really fine that morning.

  • She knew the two girls had some good reason for anchoring the "red rover" a little distance from the shore.

  • The houseboat came about slowly; then, as the motor boat chugged away the line grew taut and the "red rover" began to move.

  • After a few minutes of rowing she drove the boat in alongside of the "red rover," then leaped out on the shore.