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

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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.
To add to it, backup running back Tyler Goodson got his most burn as a Cowboy, rushing for 38 yards on 10 carries. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Oct. 2026 Skattebo was livid at the call, as was head coach John Harbaugh , who had to hold his running back behind him on the sideline before displaying his own displeasure at the flag being thrown. — Scott Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 26 Oct. 2026 The 49ers entered injury-depleted (particularly at receiver) and then lost running back Christian McCaffrey during the game. — Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 26 Oct. 2026 Seattle entered the game without an offensive weapon, running back Zach Charbonnet, who earlier in the week had appeared to be trending toward a return from a torn ACL. — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 26 Oct. 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

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Browse Nearby Words

running account
running back
running backstay
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Cite this Entry

“Running back.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/running%20back. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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