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 scheme change under Parker impacted Marist Liufau arguably the most of any player on the roster, as the staff moved him from an off-ball inside linebacker role to a pass-rushing outside linebacker. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 July 2026

Freitas has embraced Mugler’s penchant for provocation and powerful femininity, bringing back linebacker shoulders and styles like the nipple-ring dress worn by Chappell Roan at this year’s Grammys. — Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 23 July 2026

The second-year outside linebacker suffered a right knee injury during a team drill and remained stationary on the field for several minutes as his right leg was examined by trainers. — Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 23 July 2026

Standing out in the loss to the Gators was the image of Manning virtually folded in half, sandwiched by a pair of Gator linebackers, after one of the six sacks. — ABC News, 23 July 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