running back

noun

|Updated on: 10 Aug 2018

Definition of running back

: a football back (such as a halfback or fullback) who carries the ball on running plays

See running back defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of running back from the Web

The initial plan was for all the receivers, as well as running back Ezekiel Elliott, to be part of the getaway.

— clarence e. hill jr., star-telegram, "Wishing upon a star: QB Dak Prescott working out, bonding with Cowboys WRs at Disney," 12 July 2018
That marked a departure from the confrontations in federal court between the league and the players' union in recent years over disciplinary cases involving New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott.

— mark maske, chicagotribune.com, "LeSean McCoy investigation could leave NFL with tough disciplinary decision," 12 July 2018
The league suspended running back Adrian Peterson, defensive end Greg Hardy and other players for cases involving domestic violence.

— New York Times, "LeSean McCoy Denies Accusations That Surfaced on Social Media," 10 July 2018
Sometimes Stephenson drove his own coach, Nate McMillan, crazy by posing instead of running back on defense, or throwing a wild pass into the first row, or letting a bad play carry over into the next play.

— clifton brown, Indianapolis Star, "How the Pacers cut Lance Stephenson and he signed to play with LeBron James," 2 July 2018
Trailing with seven minutes left in the first half, 22-7, North launched a comeback behind running back Calvin Johnson of St. Mary’s and his 91 all-purpose yards.

— michael kotsopoulos, BostonGlobe.com, "Lynnfield’s Matthew Mortellite the last-play hero at Agganis All-Star Game," 30 June 2018
Linebacker Justin Strnad, running back Matt Colburn II and wide receiver Scotty Washington headline the Demon Deacons looking to take their games to the next level and continue the program's upward trajectory.

— angel guerrero, sacbee, "‘Just take a deep breath’: Kings rookie Marvin Bagley grapples with his first challenge," 29 June 2018
Seattle’s only other Supplemental pick came in 1977 when the Seahawks used a fourth-rounder on running back Al Hunter, who had been suspended by Notre Dame — which was the first time the NFL used a Supplemental Draft.

— bob condotta, The Seattle Times, "NFL Supplemental Draft set for July 11 — could the Seahawks make a pick?," 25 June 2018
The University of Houston on Tuesday officially announced the addition of running back Terence Williams and cornerback Nick Watkins.

— joseph duarte, Houston Chronicle, "UH football adds 2 graduate transfers," 19 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'running back.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.