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

Serving as captains for the 49ers are fullback Kyle Juszczyk, Kittle, cornerback Deommodore Lenoir and running back Christian McCaffrey. —Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 3 Jan. 2026

The only other healthy ball carrier the team has is fullback Hunter Luepke. —Joseph Hoyt, Dallas Morning News, 2 Jan. 2026

Petrino had tight end Rohan Jones release over the left side from a fullback spot in the backfield and run uncovered into the secondary for an easy 62-yard touchdown on the third snap of the game at Memphis. —Tom Murphy, Arkansas Online, 31 Dec. 2025

The Patriots should have a new fullback in 2026. —Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 30 Dec. 2025

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