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

But Hollingsworth broke into the backfield to block the extra point attempt, keeping Wellesley (6-5) in the lead. —Matt Goisman, Boston Herald, 27 Nov. 2025

Ohio State transfer Evan Pryor has also emerged as a quality option in the backfield with a career-high 514 yards and three touchdowns. —Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Nov. 2025

Pierce would’ve checked both boxes as a backfield addition, a Houston product in his fourth season who profiles as a more traditional power back. —Luca Evans, Denver Post, 25 Nov. 2025

Carolina has otherwise been solid, for the most part, at defending opposing running backs out of the backfield, but the challenge tonight (while shorthanded at LB against a back like McCaffrey) is massive. —Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Nov. 2025

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