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
quarterbacked; quarterbacking; quarterbacks
1
: to direct the offensive play of
quarterback a football team
2
: to give executive direction to : boss
… quarterbacked the original buying syndicate.—
Time
Time
: to play quarterback
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
Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026
More than two months into his recovery from knee surgery, quarterback Patrick Mahomes continues to be a constant presence at the Chiefs’ practice facility.
—Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 20 Feb. 2026
Rod Boone, Charlotte Observer, 20 Feb. 2026
Just like that, the Bears add a player who can help both quarterback Caleb Williams and coach Ben Johnson be at their best.
—The Athletic Nfl Staff, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for quarterback
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Noun
Nate Scheelhaase will be promoted to offensive coordinator and Dave Ragone will serve as co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, a person with knowledge of the situation said Friday.
—Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026
More than two months into his recovery from knee surgery, quarterback Patrick Mahomes continues to be a constant presence at the Chiefs’ practice facility.
—Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 20 Feb. 2026
Verb
In December 2014, Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton was in a car crash at South Church and West Hill streets.
—Rod Boone, Charlotte Observer, 20 Feb. 2026
Just like that, the Bears add a player who can help both quarterback Caleb Williams and coach Ben Johnson be at their best.
—The Athletic Nfl Staff, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for quarterback
Cite this Entry
“Quarterback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quarterback. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
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