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
But with linebackers dropping like flies off the depth chart, there was little choice but to trust that the true freshman could step in.
—Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 18 Oct. 2024
Then Murray peeled off to turn and shove outside linebacker Thomas Incoom to the ground.
—Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 14 Oct. 2024
The Chargers are especially deep at outside linebacker with eight-time Pro Bowl selection Khalil Mack leading their pass rush and capably backed up by Joey Bosa, when healthy, Bud Dupree, a 10-year veteran, and Tuli Tuipulotu, an emerging standout in his second year out of USC.
—Elliott Teaford, Orange County Register, 10 Oct. 2024
Other Seattle moves: nose tackle Cameron Young was activated off the physically unable to perform list; guard McClendon Curtis was waived; and, outside linebacker Jamie Sheriff and safety Ty Okada were elevated from the practice squad.
—Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 10 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for linebacker 
Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 18 Oct. 2024
Then Murray peeled off to turn and shove outside linebacker Thomas Incoom to the ground.
—Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 14 Oct. 2024
The Chargers are especially deep at outside linebacker with eight-time Pro Bowl selection Khalil Mack leading their pass rush and capably backed up by Joey Bosa, when healthy, Bud Dupree, a 10-year veteran, and Tuli Tuipulotu, an emerging standout in his second year out of USC.
—Elliott Teaford, Orange County Register, 10 Oct. 2024
Other Seattle moves: nose tackle Cameron Young was activated off the physically unable to perform list; guard McClendon Curtis was waived; and, outside linebacker Jamie Sheriff and safety Ty Okada were elevated from the practice squad.
—Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 10 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for linebacker
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Dictionary Entries Near linebacker
Cite this Entry
“Linebacker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/linebacker. Accessed 24 Oct. 2024.
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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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