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

Today, 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

Examples of linebacker in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Patriots’ defensive production is also excellent, and names such as nose tackle Khyiris Tonga, linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson and safety Craig Woodson (a rookie from Cal) wouldn’t be under the radar any longer with a seventh Lombardi trophy for the franchise. —Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 1 Feb. 2026

Duggan, 38, was the Packers’ linebackers coach for a single season after serving as a defensive assistant to Hafley with Green Bay in 2024. —Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 1 Feb. 2026

On the opposite side of the ball as a linebacker, Banda recorded 85 tackles, five sacks and two picks. —Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 1 Feb. 2026

While Heyward, Watt and Ramsey are all in their 30s, the Steelers do have a promising core of young talent led by rookie defensive tackle Derrick Harmon and third-year outside linebacker Nick Herbig. —CBS News, 31 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1931, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for linebacker

• firecracker
• acker
• backer
• blacker
• cracker
• hacker
• lacquer
• packer
• slacker
• stacker
• thacker
• tracker

Kids Definition

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