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.
The others are sophomore cornerback Ja’Boree Antoine, sophomore tight end Luka Gilbert and junior safety Dylan Day. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2026 Maybe Arizona cornerback Max Melton, a 2024 second-round pick who doesn’t appear to be starting for the Cardinals? — Zach Berman, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026 The 6-foot-2, 197-pound junior cornerback was a first-team All-American selection last season. — Jim Reineking, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026 The last time Sneed regularly played both outside cornerback and inside at nickel was 2022. — Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 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 7 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on cornerback

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cornerback

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