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

Don’t be surprised if the Patriots keep tight ends Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper and fullback Jack Westover in to help out the line and backs. —Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 8 Nov. 2025

In years past, the fullback was the focal point of Air Force’s offense; this season Szarka is the main rusher on the team. —Aaron Johnson, Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2025

In the Broncos’ Week 8 blowout of the Cowboys, Denver ran out 25 unique combinations of receivers, tight ends and fullbacks, as charted by The Denver Post. —Luca Evans, Denver Post, 5 Nov. 2025

Shanahan likes players such as McCaffrey and fullback Kyle Juszyzck who can play multiple roles offensively, and that is exactly what Skattebo would've offered the red and gold. —Robert Marvi, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Oct. 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