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
The Dolphins have exhibited an emphasis in improving the run game around speedy tailback De’Von Achane.
—
David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 12 June 2025
His 1,499 scrimmage rushing and receiving yards in 2024 were the third most by a tailback in franchise history, trailing only Ricky Williams’ 2002 (2,216) and 2003 seasons (1,723).
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 16 May 2025
Panthers tailback LeSean McCoy ran for 148 yards on 38 carries, while WVU’s Steve Slaton and Pat White managed just 52 yards on 23 carries, with White injuring his thumb late in the first half.
—David Ubben, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Former Miami Dolphins tailback Tommy Vigorito passed away earlier Tuesday according to a post his former high school made.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for tailback
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David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 12 June 2025
His 1,499 scrimmage rushing and receiving yards in 2024 were the third most by a tailback in franchise history, trailing only Ricky Williams’ 2002 (2,216) and 2003 seasons (1,723).
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 16 May 2025
Panthers tailback LeSean McCoy ran for 148 yards on 38 carries, while WVU’s Steve Slaton and Pat White managed just 52 yards on 23 carries, with White injuring his thumb late in the first half.
—David Ubben, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Former Miami Dolphins tailback Tommy Vigorito passed away earlier Tuesday according to a post his former high school made.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for tailback
Cite this Entry
“Tailback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tailback. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
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