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

Achane in the backfield at this time, but before the draft, the Dolphins top wide receivers are free-agent additions Tutu Atwell and Jalen Tolbert and third-year slot receiver Malik Washington. —David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 30 Mar. 2026

Detroit moved on from veteran running back David Montgomery, trading him to the Houston Texans and officially ending one of the NFL’s most productive backfield tandems. —Rowan Fisher-Shotton, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Mar. 2026

But there’s no real reason for the Broncos to give up more trade capital to swing on Hall unless there’s a dramatic shift or injury in their backfield. —Luca Evans, Denver Post, 27 Mar. 2026

But Bernard did a variety of things for Alabama, including playing out of the slot and out of the backfield. —Jonathan M. Alexander, Houston Chronicle, 23 Mar. 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