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
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Saleh’s unit must rally behind all 11 defenders, including Warner’s young but promising replacement, second-year linebacker Tatum Bethune.
—Cam Inman, Mercury News, 17 Oct. 2025
Auburn’s red-zone defense has been strong, but its pass coverage from linebackers and safeties has been a weak point, potentially creating an area Missouri could exploit if quarterback Beau Pribula settles in early.
—Zach Sweet, Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2025
The Chargers have also been missing linebacker Denzel Perryman, who has been on IR since Week 1 with an ankle injury.
—Daniel Popper, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
The All-Pro linebacker had surgery on the ankle earlier this week, and is expected to miss at least the next three months.
—Jordan Sigler, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for linebacker
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Cam Inman, Mercury News, 17 Oct. 2025
Auburn’s red-zone defense has been strong, but its pass coverage from linebackers and safeties has been a weak point, potentially creating an area Missouri could exploit if quarterback Beau Pribula settles in early.
—Zach Sweet, Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2025
The Chargers have also been missing linebacker Denzel Perryman, who has been on IR since Week 1 with an ankle injury.
—Daniel Popper, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
The All-Pro linebacker had surgery on the ankle earlier this week, and is expected to miss at least the next three months.
—Jordan Sigler, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 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 25 Oct. 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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