linebacker

noun

line·​back·​er ˈlīn-ˌba-kər How to pronounce linebacker (audio)
plural linebackers
: a football player on the defending team who typically lines up behind the defensive linemen
They play tight defense in the secondary, and linebackers fill gaps on the run and are expected to defend the pass.—Jerry McDonald
Today, a blitzing linebacker is just as likely to get a sack because no one blocked him as he is on a great pass rush move.—Tim Green

Examples of linebacker 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.
Roberts, defensive end Darris Smith, Lee, linebacker Nicholas Rodriguez and safety Santana Banner were among the Tigers who went off the field injured at some point during Saturday’s game (although Roberts returned to action later). — Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2026 Then, when Manning got the ball back with two minutes left, Florida grabbed its fifth sack courtesy of linebacker Myles Graham, and Manning dropped the ball in the process. — Noah White, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026 The league initially suspended Jackson for two games for striking Bills linebacker Bradley Chubb in the face on the field after the Rams’ defeat. — Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026 Inside linebacker Ernest Jones IV had nine tackles and a sack, his third in as many games. — ABC News, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for linebacker

Word History

First Known Use

1931, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of linebacker was in 1931

Rhymes for linebacker

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Browse Nearby Words

lineback
linebacker
linebacking
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

linebacker

noun
line·​back·​er ˈlīn-ˌbak-ər How to pronounce linebacker (audio)
: a football player on the defending team whose usual position is a short distance in back of the line of scrimmage

More from Merriam-Webster on linebacker

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about linebacker

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