crackback

noun

crack·​back ˈkrak-ˌbak How to pronounce crackback (audio)
: a blind-side block on a defensive back in football by a pass receiver who starts downfield and then cuts back to the middle of the line

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Burfict loses money due to Steelers’ hit Pittsburgh Steelers’ wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster may have been suspended a game for his crackback block on Vontaze Burfict on Dec. 4, but the Bengals linebacker has really been hurt by it. Jim Owczarski, Cincinnati.com, 17 Dec. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'crackback.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1967, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of crackback was in 1967

Dictionary Entries Near crackback

Cite this Entry

“Crackback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crackback. Accessed 24 Mar. 2023.

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