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 Texans used the pick Miami sent them to draft USC tailback Woody Marks.
—
Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 26 Apr. 2025
While tailback isn’t a need, only foolish franchises pass up adding generational talents such as Jeanty.
—Omar Kelly, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Apr. 2025
If the Dolphins need someone to move the chains from a yard away in 2025, Mattison, the heaviest tailback on Miami’s roster at 220 pounds, could very well be their guy.
—David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 27 Mar. 2025
Baltimore’s most effective weapon through three quarters was backup tailback Justice Hill, who finished with six carries for 50 yards.
—Tim Graham, The Athletic, 19 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tailback
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Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 26 Apr. 2025
While tailback isn’t a need, only foolish franchises pass up adding generational talents such as Jeanty.
—Omar Kelly, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Apr. 2025
If the Dolphins need someone to move the chains from a yard away in 2025, Mattison, the heaviest tailback on Miami’s roster at 220 pounds, could very well be their guy.
—David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 27 Mar. 2025
Baltimore’s most effective weapon through three quarters was backup tailback Justice Hill, who finished with six carries for 50 yards.
—Tim Graham, The Athletic, 19 Jan. 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 30 Apr. 2025.
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