quarterback

1 of 2

noun

quar·​ter·​back ˈkwȯ(r)-tər-ˌbak 

1

: an offensive back in football who usually lines up behind the center, calls the signals, and directs the offensive play of the team

2

: one who directs and leads

quarterback

2 of 2

verb

quarterbacked; quarterbacking; quarterbacks

transitive verb

1

: to direct the offensive play of

quarterback a football team

2

: to give executive direction to : boss

… quarterbacked the original buying syndicate.

—Time

intransitive verb

: to play quarterback

Synonyms of quarterback

Verb

• supervise
• handle
• oversee
• command
• manage
• boss
• watch over

Examples of quarterback in a Sentence

Verb

He quarterbacked his high school team.

She quarterbacked the company's latest ad campaign.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

And yes, Boise State had backup quarterback Max Cutforth, a redshirt sophomore and former walk-on, making his first collegiate start. —Jim Keyser, Idaho Statesman, 16 Nov. 2025

Missouri State star quarterback Jacob Clark passed for four touchdowns, two to Jeron Askren. —Kansas City Star, 16 Nov. 2025

Verb

During a Week 10 matchup between the Buffalo Bills' and Miami Dolphins last weekend, Bills quarterback Josh Allen, a three-time Pro Bowler, was taunted by a Dolphins linebacker Bradley Chubb after a 5-yard sack late in the game. —Anne Erickson, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Nov. 2025

Its significance -- Indians quarterback Kam Jenkins had not thrown a single interception all season long, having tossed 35 TDs before this contest. —Mike Waters, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1879, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1892, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing quarterback

• Monday-morning quarterback
• quarterback sneak

Rhymes for quarterback

• almanac
• camelback
• cardiac
• carryback
• cluniac
• diamondback
• lumberjack
• maniac
• paperback
• piggyback
• saddleback
• stickleback

Kids Definition

quarterback

noun

quar·​ter·​back

ˈkwȯ(r)t-ər-ˌbak

: an offensive football back who calls the signals and directs the offensive play of the team

quarterback verb