quarterback

[ kwawr-ter-bak ]

noun

1. a back in football who usually lines up immediately behind the center and directs the offense of the team.
2. the position played by this back.
3. a person who leads or directs a group or activity.

verb (used with object)

1. to direct the offense of (a team).
2. to lead or direct:

   to quarterback a public-relations campaign.

verb (used without object)

1. to play the position of quarterback.

quarterback

/ ˈkwɔːtəˌbæk /

noun

1. a player in American or Canadian football, positioned usually behind the centre, who directs attacking play
2. Monday-morning quarterbacking
   Monday-morning quarterbacking wisdom after the event, esp by spectators

Word History and Origins

Origin of quarterback¹

An Americanism dating back to 1875–80; quarter + back ¹

Example Sentences

These quarterbacks are testing their ability to leverage their indispensable talent and stretch their authority.

From Washington Post

The next big quarterback question for Washington probably involves Smith.

From Washington Post

Yet Brady has ignored all of that history, setting new single-season QB value records for quarterbacks at ages 40, 41, 42 and 43.

From FiveThirtyEight

As usual, much of the most important roster maneuvering will involve quarterbacks.

From Washington Post

There are expected to be eye-catching moves involving high-profile quarterbacks.

From Washington Post

He is an immensely talented quarterback who has dedicated his entire life to athletic excellence and discipline.

From The Daily Beast

But that quiet approach has served the onetime UCLA quarterback, now 63, well through his lengthy acting career.

From The Daily Beast

Or consider the case of Florida State quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston.

From The Daily Beast

Now, the Green Bay Packers quarterback is a Super Bowl champion, most valuable player, and State Farm Discount Double-Check guy.

From The Daily Beast

University of Central Florida quarterback Blake Bortles—“WHO?”

From The Daily Beast

Sara was halfback on the freshman football team, while Jim played quarterback.

From Project Gutenberg

He was maneuvering his two hundred pounds around Washington Square with the agility of a quarterback.

From Project Gutenberg

Grant's right guard and tackle stood up straight in their places, looking helplessly toward the quarterback.

From Project Gutenberg

It was a new play they had learned that past week, a double pass, with the quarterback eventually taking the ball.

From Project Gutenberg

It seemed to the little quarterback that the fellows had gone suddenly insane.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• accompany
• advise
• educate
• escort
• govern
• handle
• influence
• instruct
• manage
• maneuver
• navigate
• oversee
• regulate
• see
• shepherd
• steer
• supervise
• sway
• teach
• train