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 figure to be additions in the defensive backfield through free agency and the draft. —Dan Duggan, New York Times, 28 Feb. 2026

That’s a huge point in Coleman’s favor, as Denver needs a power back who has between-the-tackles juice and pass-protection ability to pair with RJ Harvey in their backfield. —Luca Evans, Denver Post, 27 Feb. 2026

Hardy will be joined in the backfield by Jamal Roberts, reuniting a dynamic duo. —Dylan Heinrich, Kansas City Star, 26 Feb. 2026

However, meeting with Love will break that trend as Dallas takes an up-close look at one of the top backfield weapons to come out in recent years. —Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Feb. 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