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

The ball was deflected into the hands of Jayhawks linebacker Trey Lathan for an interception at the 27. — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 8 Nov. 2026

Former Pittsburgh Steelers and Penn State linebacker Jack Ham was hospitalized Saturday following a medical emergency, according to a statement from Penn State's athletics department. — Garrett Behanna, CBS News, 7 Nov. 2026

On fourth-and-9, linebacker Teitum Tuioti took the snap and found fellow linebacker Matayo Uiagalelei open near the right sideline for a 30-yard gain to the Buckeyes’ 39. — ABC News, 7 Nov. 2026

On third-and-goal from the Utah 2-yard line, Bachmeier dropped back to pass and tried to throw a slant, but linebacker Trey Reynolds jumped the route and intercepted the ball, ending the scoring threat. — Ryan Canfield Outkick, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 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