cornerback

[ kawr-ner-bak ]

/ ˈkɔr nərˌbæk /

noun Football.

one of two defensive backs positioned in the secondary between the linebackers and safeties, responsible for covering the outside areas near the sidelines against end runs and pass plays.

Nearby words

corner cabinet, corner chair, corner kick, corner table, corner the market, cornerback, cornered, cornerman, cornerstone, cornerwise, cornet

Origin of cornerback

First recorded in 1965–70; corner + back¹

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for cornerback

John Johnson, who played both wingback and cornerback for Army in 1964, felt the same way.
A West Point MVP Who Never Played a Down|Nicolaus Mills|December 13, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The faces attached to this debate are Denver quarterback Peyton Manning and Seattle cornerback Richard Sherman.
Peyton Manning Vs. Richard Sherman|Allen Barra|January 31, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Michigan cornerback Charles Woodson is often said to be the only defensive player to take home the trophy in 1997.
The Heisman ‘Bad Boys’: Jameis Winston, Johnny Manziel, and Who Should Really Win|Allen Barra|December 14, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Sure, it was completely broken coverage by cornerback Chris Culliver, who made headlines earlier this week for anti-gay remarks.
15 Best Moments of the 2013 Super Bowl (VIDEO)|Ben Teitelbaum|February 4, 2013|DAILY BEAST

He attended Brown University, where he played quarterback and cornerback, and had planned to go to law school.
Joe Paterno’s Dead at 85: His Swift Fall From Grace|Jessica Bennett, Jacob Bernstein|January 22, 2012|DAILY BEAST

British Dictionary definitions for cornerback

cornerback

/ (ˈkɔːnəˌbæk) /

noun

American football a defensive back

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012