halfback

American  

[haf-bak, hahf-] / ˈhæfˌbæk, ˈhɑf- /

noun

1. Football.

   1. one of two backs back who typically line up on each side of the fullback.

   2. the position played by such a back.

2. (in soccer, Rugby, field hockey, etc.) a player stationed near the forward line to carry out chiefly offensive duties.

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halfback British  

/ ˈhɑːfˌbæk /

noun

1. rugby either the scrum half or the stand-off half

2. old-fashioned soccer any of three players positioned behind the line of forwards and in front of the fullbacks

3. any of certain similar players in other team sports

4. the position of a player who is halfback

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Etymology

Origin of halfback

First recorded in 1880–85; half + back ¹

Compare meaning

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

• fullback vs. halfback

Example Sentences

Jaedyn Smith caught a 19-yard halfback option pass and Wagner added the one-point catch to extend the lead to 15-0.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 18, 2023

They were also the first Huskies from the state of Michigan since Art Ahonen, a halfback from 1932 to 1934.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 14, 2023

Along with halfback Eugene “Mercury” Morris, they would form the nucleus of the Dolphins’ fearsome ’72 rushing attack.

From Washington Post • Jan. 13, 2023

Hadl played both halfback and quarterback his final two seasons, helping Kansas go 14-5-2 over the span.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 30, 2022

He was about to be a junior at the black high school, where he made all A’s and played halfback on the football team.

From "The Secret Life of Bees" by Sue Monk Kidd

Related Words

• fullback
• tailback