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

Senior quarterback Xavier Vinson suffered suffered a chin injury for Warren in the second quarter of its Week 1 loss to Loyola and watched the rest of the game from the sidelines. — Bobby Narang, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026

With Kyle Allen appearing to have locked up the primary backup job behind Josh Allen, Buechele handled the quarterback duties in finishing 26 for 38 for 196 yards. — CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026

Verb

While Simmons’ offensive scheme helped unlock FIU’s ground game last season, quarterbacks Keyone Jenkins and Joe Pesansky combined for 13 interceptions. — Alejandro Hernandez, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026

In 2002, the Coyotes won a title shootout 42-35 at Centaurus High School against Golden, which was quarterbacked by future MLB all-star pitcher Mark Melancon. — Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 27 Aug. 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