backfield
Americannoun
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(used with a plural verb) the members of the team who, on offense, are stationed behind the linemen and, on defense, behind the linebackers.
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their positions considered as a unit.
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the area where the backs play.
noun
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(sometimes functioning as plural) the quarterback and running backs in a team
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the area behind the line of scrimmage from which the backfield begin each play
Etymology
Origin of backfield
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
While England's endurance and depth told, with Hannah Botterman impressing off the bench, Ellie Kildunne weaving up from backfield on her introduction and four tries scored in the final quarter, the hosts' energy was impressive.
From BBC ● Oct. 30, 2026
In one instance on Sunday, facing third and short, the center snapped the ball when a receiver was in motion in the backfield and hit him.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 21, 2026
The absence of Kenneth Walker III and a banged-up backfield hurt Seattle’s ground game, but Sam Darnold looks like he’s playing with real confidence now.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 9, 2026
Most of those coverage busts came from USC’s backups at the position, but it does beg questions about the depth in the Trojans’ defensive backfield.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 3, 2026
But probably it was the thought of Odell, as he had been called all that week during practice, staring across from him in the Marshall backfield.
From "Friday Night Lights: A Town, A Team, And A Dream" by H.G. Bissinger
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
