fullback

[fool-bak]

noun

Football.

1. a running back who lines up behind the quarterback and is farthest from the line of scrimmage.

2. the position played by this back.

3. (in soccer, Rugby, field hockey) a player stationed near the defended goal to carry out chiefly defensive duties.

fullback

/ ˈfʊlˌbæk /

noun

1. soccer hockey one of two defensive players positioned in front of the goalkeeper

2. rugby a defensive player positioned close to his own line

3. the position held by any of these players

Word History and Origins

Origin of fullback¹

First recorded in 1885–90; full ¹ + back ¹

Example Sentences

Palmer has several assistant coaches with NFL and/or major college football experience, among them running backs coach Mike Karney, a bruising fixture at fullback for the New Orleans Saints; receivers coach T.J.

From Los Angeles Times

There was a fullback who was ruled ineligible before the first game when coaches learned he was significantly older than his teammates.

From Los Angeles Times

Jordan last fall while playing fullback, defensive end and receiver caught the attention of Colorado State assistant Chad Savage, who later joined USC as an assistant.

From Los Angeles Times

Canada, meanwhile, had to scrap whatever game plan it had in the 12th minute when Bayern Munich fullback Alphonso Davies, its best player, limped off with an injury.

From Los Angeles Times

The former Glasgow Warriors fullback amassed a century of senior caps for his country and was involved in three British and Irish Lions tours.

From BBC

Related Words

• halfback 
• tailback