fullback

noun

full·​back ˈfu̇l-ˌbak 

1

: an offensive football back used primarily for line plunges and blocking

2

: a primarily defensive player usually stationed nearest the defended goal (as in soccer or field hockey)

Examples of fullback in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Teams have been less willing to let San Diego play through central zones, less surprised by its buildup structure and more eager to test the space behind its fullbacks and center backs. —Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 2026

Portland Thorns fullback Reyna Reyes, March 20, 57th minute. —Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 19 May 2026

In the offseason, the Ravens lost impact players, including center Tyler Linderbaum, tight end Isaiah Likely, tight end Charlie Kolar, fullback Patrick Ricard, and running back Keaton Mitchell. —Adam Thompson, CBS News, 14 May 2026

The 49ers star has joined the lineup of the May 20 event at the Hammer Theatre Center in downtown San Jose, which will feature the presentation of the Dwight Clark Award to Pro Bowl fullback Kyle Juszcycyk. —Sal Pizarro, Mercury News, 14 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for fullback

• aback
• attack
• backpack
• backtrack
• bareback
• blackjack
• brownback
• buyback
• callback
• cognac
• comeback
• cutback

Kids Definition

fullback

noun

full·​back ˈfu̇l-ˌbak 

1

: a football back who usually lines up between the halfbacks

2

: a mainly defensive player (as in soccer or field hockey) who usually plays near the goal to be defended