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.
Borralho dropped back to 185 pounds for his UFC debut in April 2011. Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025 Bullock, who had a fine game otherwise, dropped back, didn’t see an open man and took a sack for a 15-yard loss rather than throw the ball away. Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 31 Aug. 2025 Garrett Nussmeier #13 of the LSU Tigers drops back to pass during the Vegas Kickoff Classic against USC Trojans at Allegiant Stadium on September 1, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Aug. 2025 But Polk was flagged for holding while Dart was dropped back to pass. Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 22 Aug. 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 9 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on drop back

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!