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
Wide receiver Ben Ford remains out with a season-ending injury and is joined by linebackers Chase Martin and Syncere Brackett-Lambey, offensive lineman Hall Schmidt, and cornerback A’Marion McCoy on the list.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 6 Dec. 2025
Wide receiver Rome Odunze, cornerback Tyrique Stevenson, and linebacker Ruben Hyppolite all missed practice on Thursday.
—Matt Zahn, CBS News, 5 Dec. 2025
The three-game winning streak since the acquisitions of defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and linebacker Logan Wilson, plus the return of linebacker DeMarvion Overshown from injury, was not fraudulent.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Dec. 2025
Following his stint in Washington, Lupoi spent five years with Alabama, working his way up from defensive analyst to defensive coordinator and outside linebackers coach.
—Jordan Sigler, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for linebacker
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Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 6 Dec. 2025
Wide receiver Rome Odunze, cornerback Tyrique Stevenson, and linebacker Ruben Hyppolite all missed practice on Thursday.
—Matt Zahn, CBS News, 5 Dec. 2025
The three-game winning streak since the acquisitions of defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and linebacker Logan Wilson, plus the return of linebacker DeMarvion Overshown from injury, was not fraudulent.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Dec. 2025
Following his stint in Washington, Lupoi spent five years with Alabama, working his way up from defensive analyst to defensive coordinator and outside linebackers coach.
—Jordan Sigler, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Dec. 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 8 Dec. 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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