fullback

noun

full·​back ˈfu̇l-ˌbak How to pronounce fullback (audio)
1
: an offensive football back used primarily for line plunges and blocking
2
: a primarily defensive player usually stationed nearest the defended goal (as in soccer or field hockey)

Examples of fullback 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.
Rowe made a telling line break from fullback and after a quick recycle Shoeman was on hand to take the ball at pace and crash over. — ABC News, 4 July 2026 But fullback Amar Dedic is likely to miss a second consecutive match with a thigh injury. — Ian Nicholas Quillen, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 In a forlorn Nebraska locker room, fullback Lance Lewis assessed his team’s 9-2-1 season. — Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 23 June 2026 The piece was designed by fellow WAG Kristin Jusczyk, who is married to San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle. — Alicia Brunker, InStyle, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for fullback

Word History

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of fullback was in 1875

Rhymes for fullback

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Browse Nearby Words

full automatic
fullback
full bath
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Cite this Entry

“Fullback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fullback. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

fullback

noun
full·​back ˈfu̇l-ˌbak How to pronounce fullback (audio)
1
: a football back who usually lines up between the halfbacks
2
: a mainly defensive player (as in soccer or field hockey) who usually plays near the goal to be defended
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