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
The linebacker spent several weeks in a hospital after the shooting.
—Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 15 Nov. 2025
The veteran linebacker leads NC State with 92 tackles and is tied for the team lead with seven tackles for loss and two-and-a-half sacks.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 14 Nov. 2025
The Dallas Cowboys made a couple of big moves at the NFL trade deadline, acquiring linebacker Logan Wilson from the Cincinnati Bengals and snatching defensive tackle Quinnen Williams from the New York Jets.
—Matthew Schmidt, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Nov. 2025
Her brother, Zach, is an NFL All-Pro linebacker who spent most of his career with the Dolphins and is recognized as one of the top linebackers in league history.
—Nasha Smith, PEOPLE, 14 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for linebacker
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Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 15 Nov. 2025
The veteran linebacker leads NC State with 92 tackles and is tied for the team lead with seven tackles for loss and two-and-a-half sacks.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 14 Nov. 2025
The Dallas Cowboys made a couple of big moves at the NFL trade deadline, acquiring linebacker Logan Wilson from the Cincinnati Bengals and snatching defensive tackle Quinnen Williams from the New York Jets.
—Matthew Schmidt, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Nov. 2025
Her brother, Zach, is an NFL All-Pro linebacker who spent most of his career with the Dolphins and is recognized as one of the top linebackers in league history.
—Nasha Smith, PEOPLE, 14 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for linebacker
Cite this Entry
“Linebacker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/linebacker. Accessed 18 Nov. 2025.
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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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