tailback

noun

tail·​back ˈtāl-ˌbak 

1

: the offensive football back farthest from the line of scrimmage

2

British : a line of vehicles caused by a traffic slowdown or stoppage

Synonyms

• jam
• congestion
• bottleneck
• snarl

Examples of tailback in a Sentence

stuck in a five-mile tailback on the southbound carriageway

Recent Examples on the Web

Because the Dolphins chose not to activate Jalen Wright for the game — instead going with five receivers and two tailbacks on the game day roster — the Dolphins seemingly had to abandon the two tailbacks package that was effective in last week’s win over the Falcons. —Omar Kelly updated October 31, Miami Herald, 31 Oct. 2025

Taylor sidelined again Besides the rivalry trophy, the Gophers also lost top tailback Darius Taylor on Saturday. —Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 26 Oct. 2025

Bachmeier rumbled on the next play into the end zone from 9 yards out like a tailback at 6 feet 2 and 230 pounds. —Mitch Sherman, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2025

Seeking contact as a tailback in the NFL is the ultimate football version of Russian Roulette. —Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 14 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for tailback

• aback
• anzac
• attack
• backpack
• backtrack
• bareback
• blackjack
• brownback
• buyback
• callback
• cognac
• comeback