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

At the end of the 2020 season, the quarterback reached out on Instagram. —Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 24 Jan. 2026

Duke University--yes, that one--is suing its quarterback. —Arkansas Online, 24 Jan. 2026

Verb

This year's team was led by All-Central Texas wide receiver Jaiden Fields (89 catches, 1,345 yards, 18 touchdowns), running back Keilan Chavies (1,125 yards, 11 touchdowns) and quarterback Kaden Stefek (37 touchdown passes). —Rick Cantu, Austin American Statesman, 24 Jan. 2026

Sam Darnold will be under center for the Seahawks while Matt Stafford is quarterbacking the Rams. —Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 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