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 third-career 100-yard game for Arkansas transfer tailback Rashon Dubinion came on 22 carries for 111 yards and the Mountaineers’ first touchdown.
—
Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 30 Aug. 2025
Jaylen Wright underwent a surgical procedure this week that could force the tailback to miss the first month of the Miami Dolphins’ 2025 season.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2025
The 25-year-old tailback has had a prolific two-year run, totaling 2,443 yards rushing with 26 touchdowns on the ground, and 388 yards receiving with five more touchdowns through the air, earning a second-team All-Pro selection and Pro Bowl honors as well.
—Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Aug. 2025
Allen is the likely name many see as the beneficiary of New York’s running back rotation, which will feature multi-year starter Breece Hall and fellow second-year tailback Isaiah Davis.
—Kambui Bomani, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tailback
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Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 30 Aug. 2025
Jaylen Wright underwent a surgical procedure this week that could force the tailback to miss the first month of the Miami Dolphins’ 2025 season.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2025
The 25-year-old tailback has had a prolific two-year run, totaling 2,443 yards rushing with 26 touchdowns on the ground, and 388 yards receiving with five more touchdowns through the air, earning a second-team All-Pro selection and Pro Bowl honors as well.
—Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Aug. 2025
Allen is the likely name many see as the beneficiary of New York’s running back rotation, which will feature multi-year starter Breece Hall and fellow second-year tailback Isaiah Davis.
—Kambui Bomani, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 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 9 Sep. 2025.
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