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

Senior defensive lineman Jashua Daniels, senior linebacker Ben Clark, junior linebacker Garrett Ortiz and sophomore linebacker AJ Summers are stalwarts on the other side of the ball. — Michael Osipoff, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026

Cornerback Juju Brents, linebacker Tyrel Dodson and receiver Chris Bell are participating only in individual drills. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 20 Aug. 2026

Jaden Dugger is a versatile, long linebacker who has gotten a lot of work with the starters. — Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 20 Aug. 2026

Elsewhere on the injury front, linebacker Jordyn Brooks did not participate in Thursday’s joint practice after missing last Friday’s preseason game with what Hafley called a minor injury. — David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 20 Aug. 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