back line

noun

variants or less commonly backline
plural back lines also backlines
: the group or line of defensive players in some sports (such as ice hockey, soccer, and rugby)
Though it ends with Rolfe and forward Mike Magee, the counterattack can only start if the back line is solid with the ball.Seth Gruen, Chicago Sun-Times, 7 July 2013

Word History

First Known Use

1925, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of back line was in 1925

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near back line

Cite this Entry

“Back line.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/back%20line. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!