linebacker

American  

[lahyn-bak-er] / ˈlaɪnˌbæk ər /

noun

Football.

1. a player on defense who takes a position close behind the linemen.

2. the position played by this player.

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linebacker British  

/ ˈlaɪnˌbækə /

noun

1. a defensive player in American or Canadian football who is positioned just behind the line of scrimmage

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Etymology

Origin of linebacker

First recorded in 1960–65; line ¹ + backer

Example Sentences

Paul took exception, pointing out that he played linebacker in high school.

From Los Angeles Times

Seattle linebacker Ernest Jones IV stepped up to the microphone and with unvarnished vigor defended his quarterback.

From Los Angeles Times

That 2024 pick turned into linebacker Jared Verse, who was named defensive rookie of the year.

From The Wall Street Journal

Already, several have done so, most prominently linebacker Luke Kuechly at 28 and quarterback Andrew Luck at 29.

From Los Angeles Times

Carter Jones flipped his commitment from California to Arizona that October after developing into a three-star linebacker at Crean Lutheran, and he formed a tight bond with Mpoyi before leaving for college.

From Los Angeles Times