backfield

noun

back·​field ˈbak-ˌfēld How to pronounce backfield (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Arizona’s backfield has been a hodgepodge of Bam Knight, Michael Carter and Emari Demercado. Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Nov. 2025 Jeanty, initially lined up in the right slot, motioned into the backfield, leaving Bowers and wide receiver Jakobi Meyers lined up to that side, with receivers Tyler Lockett and Tre Tucker split to the left. Michael Silver, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025 Washington's top running back, Jacory Croskey-Merritt, has logged just seven receptions all season, which has allowed McNichols to emerge as the team's top pass-catching option out of the backfield in recent weeks. Jacob Camenker, USA Today, 2 Nov. 2025 His suggestions included searching the market for help at safety, off the edge and in the offensive backfield. Max Dible, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for backfield

Word History

First Known Use

1897, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of backfield was in 1897

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Backfield.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backfield. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

backfield

noun
back·​field -ˌfēld How to pronounce backfield (audio)
: the football players who line up behind the line of scrimmage
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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