drop back

verb

dropped back; dropping back; drops back

intransitive verb

1
2
: to move straight back from the line of scrimmage
the quarterback drops back to pass

Examples of drop back in a Sentence

a change in the wind direction forced the firefighters to drop back
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In the third quarter, Bryce Young dropped back and under pressure lobbed the ball about 35 yards in McMillan’s general direction. Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 23 Sep. 2025 On a third-and-10, Herbert dropped back and had a clean pocket. Daniel Popper, New York Times, 22 Sep. 2025 On fourth-and-goal, Sagapolutele dropped back, looking, looking, before throwing to tight end Landon Morris in the back of the end zone. Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Sep. 2025 Wilson, the defending champion in the Orange County Championships and third-place finisher in the CIF SS Division II State championships, dropped back to eighth after the second mile. Lou Ponsi, Oc Register, 21 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for drop back

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of drop back was in 1927

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Drop back.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/drop%20back. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on drop back

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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