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.
Senior linebacker Boen Phelps led the run defense with six tackles and an interception, while junior defensive lineman Lopez Sanusi ended with a game-high two sacks. — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 25 Oct. 2026 Starting linebacker Dee Winters will miss his first game of his Cowboys career after suffering an Achilles strain in the loss to the Green Bay Packers last week. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026 The Musketeers, founded in 2022, were coached by former NFL linebacker coach Jack Del Rio for the past two seasons, but his contract has expired. — ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026 Inside linebacker Nate Landman is out because of a concussion, McVay said. — Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 23 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

See All Rhymes for linebacker

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 27 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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