backfield

noun

back·​field ˈbak-ˌfēld 

: the football players whose positions are behind the line of scrimmage

also : the positions themselves

Examples of backfield in a Sentence

a tackle made in the backfield

The team has a strong backfield.

Recent Examples on the Web

Smith might be listed behind veteran backs Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt on the depth chart, but the team’s overall backfield production has risen in the past few weeks and Smith is part of that renaissance. —Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2025

Smith has not wasted his opportunities, producing in a big way as a receiving threat out of the backfield, recording at least three receptions in each of the team's last four games. —Reice Shipley, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025

Dylin Bruce and Steele Kurtz are also capable pass catchers and are stars in the Oilers defensive backfield. —Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 22 Oct. 2025

Without White, the Mountaineers have tried seemingly every player on the roster in the backfield after backup running back Tye Edwards was also lost for the season. —Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1897, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for backfield

• afield
• airfield
• annealed
• appealed
• brownfield
• coalfield
• concealed
• congealed
• cornfield
• downfield
• goldfield
• hayfield

Kids Definition

backfield

noun

back·​field -ˌfēld 

: the football players who line up behind the line of scrimmage