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

In a best-case scenario, Randall could become a matchup-threat TE/RB hybrid from the backfield; Denver has enough interest in him that a coach flew out this past week to visit him, a source said. —Luca Evans, Denver Post, 19 Apr. 2026

Last season, safeties Minkah Fitzpatrick, Ashtyn Davis and Ifeatu Melifonwu and cornerbacks Rasul Douglas and Jack Jones were all brought in to revamp the defensive backfield. —David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 15 Apr. 2026

Chesney is excited about the depth in the defensive backfield. —Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2026

But Green throws the ball downfield well enough while being able to be a backfield creator, which is exactly the archetype teams are searching for at the quarterback position. —Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 14 Apr. 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