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

Jack was a standout linebacker for the Bruins who also saw significant playing time at running back.

From Los Angeles Times

Even freshman linebacker Scott Taylor, selected to represent players in talking to the media on Tuesday, declined to confirm if he will be back next season.

From Los Angeles Times

“He has a lot of energy and cares about this place,” freshman linebacker Scott Taylor said, “and that’s what a lot of people want to see.”

From Los Angeles Times

“We’ve put ourselves in very stressful situations and the scenarios that have played out in these games, final two minutes, a lot of times,” linebacker Aiden Fisher said.

From The Wall Street Journal

“It comes with the territory being an undersized linebacker, you have to know the game inside and out,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times