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

There is no fear with him in side-swapping blocks to tackle ball carriers in the backfield, either. —Alec Lewis, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026

Plays in the opposing offenses’ backfield, attacking style, team captain, really impactful player. —Cam Inman, Mercury News, 26 Apr. 2026

But in due time, too, the Coleman-Harvey duo could shine as the Broncos’ backfield of the future. —Luca Evans, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026

The Patriots are adding to their backfield with UCF RB Myles Montgomery, a former team captain who had 705 rushing yards and four touchdowns last year, per Ethan Hurwitz. —Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 25 Apr. 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