cornerback

noun

cor·​ner·​back ˈkȯr-nər-ˌbak How to pronounce cornerback (audio)
: a defensive halfback in football who defends the flank

Examples of cornerback in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Additionally, cornerback Xavier Lucas, who had been out since the season opener against Stanford, returned to the field. — Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026 On the second interception, Underwood lofted a pass that cornerback Josiah Zayas snagged with one hand. — Larry Lage, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026 McMillian now has three multi-sack seasons, tied for the fourth-most by a cornerback in NFL history, and his nine career sacks are the fourth-most ever by an undrafted cornerback. — ABC News, 16 Oct. 2026 The Bulldogs also got a commitment this month from 4-star California JUCO cornerback Alius Mayo. — Jeff Sentell, AJC.com, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cornerback

Word History

First Known Use

1955, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cornerback was in 1955

Rhymes for cornerback

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Browse Nearby Words

corner
cornerback
cornerball
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Cite this Entry

“Cornerback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cornerback. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on cornerback

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cornerback

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