1
: the offensive football back farthest from the line of scrimmage
2
British
: a line of vehicles caused by a traffic slowdown or stoppage
Examples of tailback in a Sentence
stuck in a five-mile tailback on the southbound carriageway
Recent Examples on the Web
Jaylen Wright and Ollie Gordon II handled most of Miami’s tailback workload while Achane was held out.
—
Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 19 May 2026
Proctor can move defenders in the run game for speedy tailback De’Von Achane, who is expected to receive a contract extension later this offseason, and can help protect new quarterback Malik Willis.
—David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 24 Apr. 2026
At some point on Saturday, or before, look at the tailbacks most likely to be on the board after Round 2 or Round 3.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 21 Apr. 2026
Amid a sea of new faces on offense is returning tailback Henry Rutledge, who saw just two carries last season before being sidelined with injury.
—Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 6 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tailback
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Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 19 May 2026
Proctor can move defenders in the run game for speedy tailback De’Von Achane, who is expected to receive a contract extension later this offseason, and can help protect new quarterback Malik Willis.
—David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 24 Apr. 2026
At some point on Saturday, or before, look at the tailbacks most likely to be on the board after Round 2 or Round 3.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 21 Apr. 2026
Amid a sea of new faces on offense is returning tailback Henry Rutledge, who saw just two carries last season before being sidelined with injury.
—Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 6 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tailback
Cite this Entry
“Tailback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tailback. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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