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 Canes must hope that their two new defensive backfield pickups — Boston College’s Omar Thornton and Oregon’s State’s Conrad Hussey — similarly exceed expectations. —Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 23 Mar. 2026

That would leave the Cowboys hunting down a physical edge who can rush the passer and get after the backfield in the run game. —Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Mar. 2026

As of Monday, that’s meant the additions of former Cardinals running back Emari Demarcado, former Patriots defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga, former Ravens safety Alohi Gilman and former Dolphins cornerback Kader Kohou— a start to resetting the defensive backfield. —Kansas City Star, 16 Mar. 2026

Sadiq is a legitimate field-stretcher who can line up attached, in the slot, split out wide, or in the backfield, which gives play-callers real flexibility. —Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Mar. 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