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

Kam Moore stepped in at linebacker for Robert Stephens III, who went down with a lower leg injury in the first half. — Michael Harley, Arkansas Online, 27 Sep. 2026

The Associated Press LUBBOCK, Texas -- Texas Tech linebacker Austin Romaine returned two interceptions for touchdowns on consecutive passes thrown by different Sam Houston quarterbacks in the opening minute of the second quarter Saturday. — ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026

Texas Tech led only 7-0 before fellow linebacker Brock Gowlas leaped to deflect a pass thrown by Brett Holloway. — Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2026

Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and linebacker Francisco Mauigoa will also miss Week 3. — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 25 Sep. 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