cornerback

noun

cor·​ner·​back ˈkȯr-nər-ˌbak How to pronounce cornerback (audio)
: a defensive halfback in football who defends the flank

Examples of cornerback in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Based on upside, Arnold could be the top cornerback on some draft boards. Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Mar. 2024 The 5-foot-11 and 180-pound cornerback could be a worthwhile replacement for C.J. Henderson, who will hit the market later this month. Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 5 Mar. 2024 On Wednesday, in a 40-yard-to-goal one-on-one drill inside the Stephens Indoor Facility, Cook found Wease over the top of leading returning cornerback Dreyden Norwood for a touchdown, then Burden left returning safety Sidney Williams Sr. in his rearview mirror for a score in quick succession. Calum McAndrew, Kansas City Star, 2 Mar. 2024 Detroit Lions – Ennis Rakestraw Jr., CB, Missouri Stifling in man coverage, Rakestraw Jr. is exactly the kind of tenacious yet savvy cornerback that Dan Campbell would appreciate. Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA TODAY, 23 Feb. 2024 General manager Brett Veach reiterated Tuesday at the NFL Combine that the team’s two top offseason priorities were working to re-sign defensive lineman Chris Jones and cornerback L’Jarius Sneed. Jesse Newell, Kansas City Star, 28 Feb. 2024 But all of those needs come after cornerback, where the Chargers must find someone to play outside opposite Asante Samuel Jr. Michael Davis, a free agent, is unlikely to return, forcing the Chargers to look first at free agency. Jeff Miller, Los Angeles Times, 26 Feb. 2024 The former cornerback's bail amount has not yet been set, CNN reported, citing the office, given that the court has not addressed the conditions surrounding his release. Nicholas Rice, Peoplemag, 25 Feb. 2024 DeJean could play cornerback or safety thanks to his sure tackling and athleticism. Ayrton Ostly, USA TODAY, 21 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cornerback.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1955, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cornerback was in 1955

Dictionary Entries Near cornerback

Cite this Entry

“Cornerback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cornerback. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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