Definition of linebacker
:a defensive football player who lines up immediately behind the line of scrimmage to make tackles on running plays through the line or defend against short passes
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Recent Examples of linebacker from the Web
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The unit returned senior all-league first-teamers Blake Fehrmann on the line and Reggie Jennings and Nick Leszczynski at linebacker.
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Bush played in all 13 games for the Wolverines last season on special teams and saw action in seven games at linebacker.
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With less size in the defensive ends, the Rams are moving to a 3-3 defense, which will add more linebackers and a lot more blitzing.
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Taylor spent most of his 15-year NFL career as a defensive end and linebacker for the Dolphins.
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Tight end John Phillips, linebacker Stephone Anthony and cornerback Delvin Breaux were out, too.
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Petrino once again mentioned Dorian Etheridge in discussions about linebackers.
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USC linebackers coach Johnny Nansen broke down Pili's tape, including games from Alaska, where the film could be spotty.
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Idaho State linebacker Mario Jenkins, a Columbia High grad, returns for his senior season after leading the Bengals with 93 tackles last season.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'linebacker.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of linebacker
1931
LINEBACKER Defined for English Language Learners
linebacker
play
noun
Definition of linebacker for English Language Learners
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American football : a player on the defending team whose usual position is a short distance in back of the line of scrimmage
Learn More about linebacker
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See words that rhyme with linebacker Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about linebacker
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