halfback

noun

half·​back ˈhaf-ˌbak 

ˈhäf-

1

: one of the backs stationed near either flank in football

2

: a player stationed immediately behind the forward line (as in field hockey, soccer, or rugby)

Examples of halfback in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The pounding ensued even more with a touchdown from senior halfback Ibrahim Kaba and a bomb caught by Ramar Thomas to close out the game. — Patrick Plunkett, Boston Herald, 27 Nov. 2025

Brown was a retired player with the Cleveland Browns, and McClinton a former Chiefs halfback. — J.m. Banks may 8, Kansas City Star, 8 May 2026

Dick Cheney played halfback on the school's football team and served as senior class president, while Lynne, born Lynne Anne Vincent, was the school's head baton twirler. — Melina Khan, USA Today, 4 Nov. 2025

Payton, a 5-foot-10 1/4-inch, 200-pound halfback from Jackson State, was the best college runner in the country. — Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1882, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for halfback

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

Kids Definition

halfback

noun

half·​back ˈhaf-ˌbak 

ˈhȧf-

1

: a football back who lines up toward the right or left side of the formation

2

: a player positioned behind the forward line in some games (as soccer or field hockey)