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

After missing seven games with foot and shoulder injuries, Irving has re-assumed his role as the primary threat in the Buccaneers' backfield. —Jim Reineking, USA Today, 11 Dec. 2025

Monangai added 57 yards on 14 touches in the backfield. —Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 8 Dec. 2025

Having won four of their past five heading into Sunday’s game at the Jets, the Dolphins are leaning into youth more at defensive tackle but less in the defensive backfield. —Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 4 Dec. 2025

Detroit has held three of its last four opponents to under 4 yards per carry, and given all the injuries in the Lions' defensive backfield, the Cowboys might not need to establish the run to move the football tonight. —Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Dec. 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