halfback

American  

[haf-bak, hahf-] / ˈhæfˌbæk, ˈhɑf- /

noun

1. Football.

   1. one of two backs 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

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Compare meaning

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

• fullback vs. halfback

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

halfback

Another halfback, Ray Williams, also starred and went to Washington State.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 7, 2026

“I played halfback, fullback and emergency tight end, and I started on five special teams. I get confused on one play, and they never let me forget it.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 17, 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

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Related Words

• fullback
• tailback

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