running back

noun

: a football back (such as a halfback or fullback) who carries the ball on running plays

Examples of running back 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.
Rookie fifth-round running back Emmett Johnson flashed vision in the opener, finishing with 12 carries for 59 yards and a touchdown erased by a holding call on Hunter Nourzad. — Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2026 And not a lot of guys have DBs that will come down and go hit a running back five yards down the field. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 2 Sep. 2026 To do that on Friday, Miami will have to find a way to contain Stanford running back Micah Ford. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2026 Wilson was back on the practice field Sunday, despite missing much of training camp with an injury, and will likely open the season as Seattle’s third-string running back. — Andrew Destin, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for running back

Word History

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of running back was in 1891

Rhymes for running back

See All Rhymes for running back

Browse Nearby Words

running account
running back
running backstay
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Running back.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/running%20back. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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