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

After rookie Brock Lampe went down with an injury this summer, Westover moved from tight end to fullback and earned his spot on the 53-man roster. —Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 23 Jan. 2026

The penalty was awarded following a VAR check by Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala after Diaz had been tugged to the ground by Senegal fullback El Hadji Malick Diouf while defending a corner five minutes into stoppage time. —Reuters, NBC news, 18 Jan. 2026

Another possibility is fullback Kyle Juszczyk, who’s always good for one or two catches a game but who could have a bigger role with George Kittle out with an Achilles tear. —The Athletic Nfl Staff, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2026

His most notable role as a rookie on offense was at fullback when interim coach Steve Wilks took over midway through the season. —Mike Kaye january 15, Charlotte Observer, 15 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for fullback

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

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