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

If two of the Dolphins’ top three backs go down again, the team could be left leaning on a backfield with only one player who has recorded an NFL carry. — Tyler M. Carmona, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026

Non-padded practices almost always favor defensive linemen, who have less for O-linemen to latch on to as the pass rushers try to speed-rush their way into the backfield. — Joseph Person, New York Times, 23 June 2026

Parker and quarterback Devon Dampier helped improve the Utes’ offense with the ability to generate chunk plays in the backfield. — Steven Johnson june 15, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 June 2026

The local standout offers physical tackling and range in the defensive backfield. — Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 14 June 2026

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