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

Today, 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

Examples of linebacker in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Temorris Campbell, a 3-star linebacker from South Florida, committed to the Bulldogs on Wednesday morning, filling a hole in the 2027 Georgia football recruiting class. —Jeff Sentell, AJC.com, 13 May 2026

Inside linebacker question If the Dolphins play their three best inside linebackers in a 4-3 base, those three might be Jordyn Brooks, Tyrel Dodson and Jacob Rodriguez. —Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 13 May 2026

In the draft, Miami picked up Texas safety Michael Taaffe in the fifth round, and linebacker Kyle Louis possesses versatility to play safety. —David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 13 May 2026

Mayur Chaudhari was working with the outside linebackers. —Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 13 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1931, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for linebacker

• firecracker
• acker
• backer
• blacker
• cracker
• hacker
• lacquer
• packer
• slacker
• stacker
• thacker
• tracker

Kids Definition

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