fullback

noun

full·​back ˈfu̇l-ˌbak How to pronounce fullback (audio)
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
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.
Veteran fullback Jordi Alba, who returned from injury in Miami’s last match, entered the match in the 67th minute. Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 24 June 2025 Having already signed Belgian wing-back Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen for £29.5m ($37.5m), his former team-mate Florian Wirtz is set to join him at Anfield for £116m ($156m), while a £40m ($54m) fee has been agreed with Bournemouth for fullback Milos Kerkez. Harry De Cosemo, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025 The games that fullback Alec Ingold missed against the Los Angeles Rams and Las Vegas Raiders — the Dolphins averaged 3.1 yards per carry over that span — didn’t help either. C. Isaiah Smalls Ii, Miami Herald, 12 June 2025 Once Casey arrived, Jayhawks coach Lance Leipold designated him as a fullback on the roster ... even though his offense didn’t actually have that position. Jesse Newell, Kansas City Star, 5 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for fullback

Word History

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of fullback was in 1875

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Cite this Entry

“Fullback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fullback. Accessed 28 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

fullback

noun
full·​back ˈfu̇l-ˌbak How to pronounce fullback (audio)
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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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