linebacker
noun
line·back·er
ˈlīn-ˌba-kər 
plural linebackers
: a football player on the defending team who typically lines up behind the defensive linemen
They play tight defense in the secondary, and linebackers fill gaps on the run and are expected to defend the pass.—
Jerry McDonald
Jerry McDonaldToday, a blitzing linebacker is just as likely to get a sack because no one blocked him as he is on a great pass rush move.—Tim Green
Tim GreenExamples of linebacker in a Sentence
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The defense has had three consecutive solid outings, but the Ravens badly need to add to their pass rush, either with an outside linebacker or an interior defensive lineman.
—The Athletic Nfl Staff, New York Times, 31 Oct. 2025
Matthew Judon, at the tail end of his career, and special teams player Cameron Goode are the only other outside linebackers on the roster.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 31 Oct. 2025
In 2024, Wilson was rated by Pro Football Focus as one of the top five linebackers in defending the run.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Oct. 2025
The Panthers could also call up a lineman and/or linebacker from the practice squad if Moton and/or Wallace are on the wrong side of questionable heading into Sunday.
—Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 31 Oct. 2025
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The Athletic Nfl Staff, New York Times, 31 Oct. 2025
Matthew Judon, at the tail end of his career, and special teams player Cameron Goode are the only other outside linebackers on the roster.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 31 Oct. 2025
In 2024, Wilson was rated by Pro Football Focus as one of the top five linebackers in defending the run.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Oct. 2025
The Panthers could also call up a lineman and/or linebacker from the practice squad if Moton and/or Wallace are on the wrong side of questionable heading into Sunday.
—Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 31 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for linebacker
Cite this Entry
“Linebacker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/linebacker. Accessed 5 Nov. 2025.
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linebacker
noun
line·back·er
ˈlīn-ˌbak-ər
: a football player on the defending team whose usual position is a short distance in back of the line of scrimmage
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