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
Drue Tranquill, a linebacker, not a defensive lineman, burst through the line on a blitz for two sacks in the second half.
—Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2025
According to linebacker coach Joe Barry, who served as Green Bay’s defensive coordinator for three seasons before coming to Miami, players at linebacker typically fall into two categories.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
The 6-foot-3, 190-pound outside linebacker/wide receiver cites a new culture and confidence, a new attitude and atmosphere, under first-year coach Gary Richardson.
—Michael Osipoff, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025
A lot of plug from the linebackers.
—Matt Byrne, Arkansas Online, 5 Sep. 2025
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Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2025
According to linebacker coach Joe Barry, who served as Green Bay’s defensive coordinator for three seasons before coming to Miami, players at linebacker typically fall into two categories.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
The 6-foot-3, 190-pound outside linebacker/wide receiver cites a new culture and confidence, a new attitude and atmosphere, under first-year coach Gary Richardson.
—Michael Osipoff, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025
A lot of plug from the linebackers.
—Matt Byrne, Arkansas Online, 5 Sep. 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 9 Sep. 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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