linebacker

American  

[lahyn-bak-er] / ˈlaɪnˌbæk ər /

noun

Football.

• linebackers
  plural

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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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• linebackers
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of linebacker

First recorded in 1960–65; line ¹ + backer

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Explanation

A linebacker is a defensive player on an American football team. If you ever hear someone described as being "built like a linebacker," it means the person is large and strong. There are usually three or four linebackers on the field during play. A linebacker's job is to defend the goal area of the football field against runs, and to block plays by the opposing team. Linebackers usually stand behind the line of scrimmage in front of the defensive backs known as safeties. There are several different specific kinds of linebackers, including middle, outside, strongside, and weakside.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

linebacker linebackers

Hill's incident involved linebacker Eric Wilson, who featured for Minnesota Vikings as they defeated the visiting Miami Dolphins 15-10.

From BBC ● Oct. 6, 2026

When Hurts dropped back to pass on third down, attempting to salvage the game, he was stripped by linebacker Byron Young, who tallied 2.5 sacks in the game.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 5, 2026

On a play that was whistled dead because of a neutral zone infraction, Vikings linebacker Eric Wilson appeared to be shoved into referee Adrian Hill, who was knocked to the ground.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 5, 2026

Former Lions linebacker Stephen Boyd recalls the composure and calm of Detroit coach Wayne Fontes, after three losses to Pittsburgh, Minnesota and Arizona — two of those by a field goal.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 3, 2026

He appeared not quite as physically impressive as a football linebacker, but certainly looked like a broad-shouldered athlete, perhaps a retired Olympic swimmer.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady

Barring change, the Rams will travel to Australia with a roster top-heavy with tight ends, receivers and outside linebackers and — because of players’ versatility — minimal numbers at cornerback.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 30, 2026

Servite has lots of speed and a trio of outstanding linebackers, plus new quarterback Gino Wang, so let’s see if the Friars can stay close.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 19, 2026

As an NFL fullback, Patrick DiMarco faced linebackers the size of French Door fridges.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 19, 2026

“The safeties were wide enough, and the linebackers were out. It was a light box,” said quarterback coach Chandler Whitmer.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 20, 2026

Smack in the middle of the season, star linebackers and star quarterbacks were suddenly lost to the team because of a grade below 70 in algebra or English or biology.

From "Friday Night Lights: A Town, A Team, And A Dream" by H.G. Bissinger

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