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

His unit helped limit the Colts’ rushing attack to just 105 yards, and the defensive line battled against a young offensive line to affect quarterback Daniel Jones all day. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Nov. 2026

Which means there were backup quarterbacks more effective last season when throwing footballs to running backs. — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 9 Nov. 2026

Verb

The Tide have won 15 of 23 meetings since 2004, including 20-9 last season, and quarterback Keelon Russell gives them a dangerous passing attack. — Outkick, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2026

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes exploited the backup safeties multiple times in the second half of last Sunday’s game. — Sam Jane, Denver Post, 6 Nov. 2026

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