wide receiver

American  

noun

Football.

wide receivers plural

1. an offensive player positioned wide of the formation, as a split end, used primarily as a pass receiver.

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wide receiver British  

noun

1. American football a player whose function is to catch long passes from the quarterback

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• wide receivers
  plural

Etymology

Origin of wide receiver

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

And, in the case of University of Oregon wide receiver Dakorien Moore, that amounted to upward of $80,000.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 6, 2026

The Chargers fulfilled needs at wide receiver, the offensive and defensive lines and in the secondary during Day 3 of the NFL draft.

From Los Angeles Times • May 11, 2026

The Rams add Miami wide receiver CJ Daniels and Alabama defensive tackle Tim Keenan III on the final day of the 2026 NFL draft.

From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2026

The Steelers were set to select Makai Lemon until the Philadelphia Eagles moved in front of them to select the wide receiver 20th overall.

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026

Just like back when you and Clancy pretended to be in the Super Bowl, him the quarterback and you the wide receiver.

From "Look Both Ways" by Jason Reynolds