fullback

American  

[fool-bak] / ˈfʊlˌbæk /

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.

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fullback British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of fullback

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

Compare meaning

How does fullback compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• fullback vs. halfback

Example Sentences

With piles of snow at every intersection and pedestrians moving in slow motion, I regularly bolted ahead and mounted obstacles like a fullback rushing for glory, leaving Sarah somewhere behind.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

“It could be a real easy excuse for us to say, ‘Alright, that’s finally the last straw that’s gonna keep us from doing this thing,’” fullback Kyle Juszczyk said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 14, 2026

Argentina forwards Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez looked threatening throughout, while fullback Nahuel Molina also impressed.

From Barron's • Oct. 11, 2025

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 • Jul. 31, 2025

They drove eighty-five yards for a touchdown, most of those yards coming from that big fullback.

From "Tangerine" by Edward Bloor

Related Words

• halfback
• tailback