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

Today, 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

Examples of linebacker in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Head coach Jason Witten has departed to the University of Oklahoma, but son Cooper Witten is back at linebacker to lead the Warriors. — Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Aug. 2026

But their rookie linebacker extended his arms, threw out a hand and knocked the ball free from London’s grasp. — Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 26 Aug. 2026

On the subtraction side, Dallas parted ways with several depth pieces, including linebacker Logan Wilson (retired), safety Juanyeh Thomas, and edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney. — David Troy Outkick, FOXNews.com, 26 Aug. 2026

Young linebackers can sometimes over-pursue and take the bait against play action. — Daniel Popper, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1931, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for linebacker

• firecracker
• acker
• backer
• blacker
• cracker
• hacker
• lacquer
• packer
• slacker
• stacker
• thacker
• tracker

Kids Definition

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