linebacker

noun

line·​back·​er ˈlīn-ˌba-kər How to pronounce linebacker (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Led by linebacker Anthony Hill, UT is loaded on defense once again. Tom Layberger, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 At the linebacker position, new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus arrives with a specialty in developing and coaching the position. Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 June 2025 The Steelers are loaded, too, with linebackers T.J. Watt, Patrick Queen and Alex Highsmith, as well as defensive backs Joey Porter and Darius Slay Jr. Which AFC North rival will have the better defense in 2025? Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 30 June 2025 Running back Saquon Barkley #26 of the Philadelphia Eagles and linebacker Jared Verse #8 of the Los Angeles Rams interact after an NFL football game, at SoFi Stadium on November 24, 2024 in Inglewood, California. Justin Grasso, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for linebacker

Word History

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of linebacker was in 1893

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Cite this Entry

“Linebacker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/linebacker. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

linebacker

noun
line·​back·​er ˈlīn-ˌbak-ər How to pronounce linebacker (audio)
: 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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