linebacker
noun
line·back·er
ˈlīn-ˌba-kər 
plural linebackers
: a football player on the defending team who typically lines up behind the defensive linemen
They play tight defense in the secondary, and linebackers fill gaps on the run and are expected to defend the pass.—
Jerry McDonald
Jerry McDonaldToday, a blitzing linebacker is just as likely to get a sack because no one blocked him as he is on a great pass rush move.—Tim Green
Tim GreenExamples of linebacker in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
There are going to be ample chances for young linebackers on Denver’s offseason roster to see the field this summer.
—Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 2 May 2025
Campbell is an elite linebacker with edge-rushing skills that was talked about in the top 15 range.
—Matt Galatzan, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025
So, thin spots like outside linebacker, safety, wideout and tight end took precedent.
—Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 30 Apr. 2025
When the spring window opened, Maryland bade farewell to 10 more players, including two starting linebackers in juniors Caleb Wheatland (Auburn) and Kellan Wyatt (Indiana), three offensive linemen who saw action last year and a kicker.
—Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 30 Apr. 2025
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Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 2 May 2025
Campbell is an elite linebacker with edge-rushing skills that was talked about in the top 15 range.
—Matt Galatzan, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025
So, thin spots like outside linebacker, safety, wideout and tight end took precedent.
—Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 30 Apr. 2025
When the spring window opened, Maryland bade farewell to 10 more players, including two starting linebackers in juniors Caleb Wheatland (Auburn) and Kellan Wyatt (Indiana), three offensive linemen who saw action last year and a kicker.
—Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for linebacker
Cite this Entry
“Linebacker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/linebacker. Accessed 8 May. 2025.
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linebacker
noun
line·back·er
ˈlīn-ˌbak-ər
: a football player on the defending team whose usual position is a short distance in back of the line of scrimmage
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