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
The 6-foot-3, 313-pounder clogs lanes against the run and does a good job of getting into the backfield on passing downs.
—
Daniel Popper, New York Times, 9 Mar. 2026
For Muschamp, that’s the defensive backfield.
—David Eckert, Austin American Statesman, 9 Mar. 2026
The entire Chiefs backfield totaled 23.
—Sam McDowell March 9, Kansas City Star, 9 Mar. 2026
Which is why Roberts said Thursday the team plans to have Sasaki pitch a simulated game on their backfields at Camelback Ranch in addition to making his next start in order to help with his buildup.
—Jack Vita, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for backfield
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.
Daniel Popper, New York Times, 9 Mar. 2026
For Muschamp, that’s the defensive backfield.
—David Eckert, Austin American Statesman, 9 Mar. 2026
The entire Chiefs backfield totaled 23.
—Sam McDowell March 9, Kansas City Star, 9 Mar. 2026
Which is why Roberts said Thursday the team plans to have Sasaki pitch a simulated game on their backfields at Camelback Ranch in addition to making his next start in order to help with his buildup.
—Jack Vita, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for backfield
Cite this Entry
“Backfield.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backfield. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
backfield
noun
back·field
-ˌfēld
: the football players who line up behind the line of scrimmage
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
