running back

noun

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web In 2007, Indianapolis Colts running back Joseph Addai ran for 1,072 yards and 12 touchdowns on 261 carries and caught 41 passes for 364 yards and three touchdowns to earn all-star recognition. Mark Inabinett | Minabinett@al.com, al, 29 Mar. 2023 Rising sixth-year quarterback Bryant threw to Scott and Tucker as well as tight end Josh Whyle and running back Charles McClelland. Scott Springer, The Enquirer, 29 Mar. 2023 Both were top-10 running back recruits in the country in their respective classes, just like Wheaton. Joseph Hoyt, Dallas News, 28 Mar. 2023 Tot was a star running back and baseball pitcher at St. David High School and played football at Northern Arizona University when it was called Arizona State College at Flagstaff, before the name change in 1966. Richard Obert, The Arizona Republic, 25 Mar. 2023 And if Texas running back Bijan Robinson lasts to the back quarter of Day 1, could this be his landing spot? Michael Middlehurst-schwartz, USA TODAY, 24 Mar. 2023 Sophomore running back Martin Blake, a 5-foot-6 walk-on from Las Vegas, carried 15 times for a game-high 68 yards, highlighted by a 2-yard touchdown that completed the scoring — and an 11-yard pass to Crum on a trick play. Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Mar. 2023 For former New York Giants running back Tiki Barber, there's more meaning to training for a run than just lacing up his sneakers and getting the steps in. Lanae Brody, Peoplemag, 23 Mar. 2023 The Patriots have made some decent-sized splashes into the free agency pool over the last 10 days, upgrading at several need spots, including offensive tackle, tight end, receiver, and running back. Jim Mcbride, BostonGlobe.com, 23 Mar. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'running back.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of running back was in 1891

Dictionary Entries Near running back

Cite this Entry

“Running back.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/running%20back. Accessed 31 Mar. 2023.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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