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

University of Montana linebacker Solomon Tuliaupupu will return to school for the 2026-’27 season after being granted a ninth year of eligibility by the National Collegiate Athletics Association.

From MarketWatch

Cornerback Devon Witherspoon sacked Maye in the first half and in the fourth quarter hit his arm on a pass that resulted in linebacker Uchenna Nwosu’s interception return for a touchdown.

From Los Angeles Times

"I really enjoy playing on grass," agreed Patriots linebacker Chad Muma.

From Barron's

They played against each other in Europe and for a while linebacker Durde had a picture of him tackling wide receiver Allen on his fridge.

From BBC

When the New England Patriots signed Mike Vrabel as a young linebacker in 2001, they sent a gopher from the team’s personnel department to scoop him up at the airport.

From The Wall Street Journal