1
: the offensive football back farthest from the line of scrimmage
2
British
: a line of vehicles caused by a traffic slowdown or stoppage
Examples of tailback in a Sentence
stuck in a five-mile tailback on the southbound carriageway
Recent Examples on the Web
During last week’s practice that was opened up to the media the Dolphins offense was picked off three times, and a ton of passes were check-down passes thrown to the tailbacks and tight ends.
—
Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 27 May 2026
At the time, USC had 18 Black players on its roster, including at the crucial quarterback and tailback positions—no small thing, in an era when the prevailing stereotype dictated that Black players weren’t smart enough or good-enough leaders to play quarterback.
—Jemele Hill, The Atlantic, 21 May 2026
Proctor can move defenders in the run game for speedy tailback De’Von Achane, who is expected to receive a contract extension later this offseason, and can help protect new quarterback Malik Willis.
—David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 24 Apr. 2026
At some point on Saturday, or before, look at the tailbacks most likely to be on the board after Round 2 or Round 3.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 21 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tailback
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Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 27 May 2026
At the time, USC had 18 Black players on its roster, including at the crucial quarterback and tailback positions—no small thing, in an era when the prevailing stereotype dictated that Black players weren’t smart enough or good-enough leaders to play quarterback.
—Jemele Hill, The Atlantic, 21 May 2026
Proctor can move defenders in the run game for speedy tailback De’Von Achane, who is expected to receive a contract extension later this offseason, and can help protect new quarterback Malik Willis.
—David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 24 Apr. 2026
At some point on Saturday, or before, look at the tailbacks most likely to be on the board after Round 2 or Round 3.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 21 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tailback
Cite this Entry
“Tailback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tailback. Accessed 29 May. 2026.
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