backfield

noun back·field \ ˈbak-ˌfēld \

Updated on: 14 Apr 2018

Definition of backfield

: the football players whose positions are behind the line of scrimmage; also : the positions themselves

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Examples of backfield in a Sentence

a tackle made in the backfield
The team has a strong backfield.

Recent Examples of backfield from the Web

Heyward also looked good as a pass-catching option out of the backfield when paired with starting quarterback Brian Lewerke.

— chris solari, Detroit Free Press, "Five observations from Michigan State football's spring game," 7 Apr. 2018
Lemons is part of crowded backfield, led by juniors Jordan Scarlett and Lamical Perine.

— edgar thompson, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Big-play UF sophomore Adarius Lemons looks to become a complete tailback for Gators," 5 Apr. 2018
The only other scholarship running back is Trey Smith, though fullback Tobias Little can also earn carries out of the backfield.

— jake lourim, The Courier-Journal, "Should Louisville football be worried? RB position thin with potential Dae Williams injury," 4 Apr. 2018
Gardner can be a major receiving threat out of the backfield.

— marc narducci, Philly.com, "Temple's Jager Gardner working himself back into RB rotation," 3 Apr. 2018
After seeing minimal action through the first seven games of the season, Dallas transitioned from wide receiver to running back to give the Hurricanes more depth in the backfield.

— jordan mcpherson, miamiherald, "He spent last year finding his role. Now, he’s ready to spark the Hurricanes’ offense | Miami Herald," 27 Mar. 2018
The Tigers’ most effective option, Tony Pollard, will see a major uptick in touches, but the staff will need to weigh his role as a receiver against Pollard’s effectiveness out of the backfield and in the return game.

— paul myerberg, USA TODAY, "American Athletic teams start chase of Central Florida at spring practice," 26 Mar. 2018
Drew Brees and his receiving corps came through when Carolina stifled New Orleans' prolific backfield, and a relentless Jordan spearheaded a late defensive stand to seal a 31-26 NFC wild-card round victory Sunday.

— brett martel, Houston Chronicle, "Saints defend turf, knock off Panthers," 7 Jan. 2018
But many of the best things the Tigers saw this spring were on the backfields, in Jake Rogers’ defensive ability and Franklin Perez’s stature.

— anthony fenech, Detroit Free Press, "Detroit Tigers spring training confirms expectation for losing season," 27 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'backfield.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of backfield

1897

in the meaning defined above

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BACKFIELD Defined for English Language Learners

backfield

noun

Definition of backfield for English Language Learners

: the area of the field that is behind the line of scrimmage
: the players who line up behind the line of scrimmage

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