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
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
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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
Cite this Entry
“Linebacker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/linebacker. Accessed 18 Jul. 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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