linebacker
Americannoun
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linebackers
plural
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a player on defense who takes a position close behind the linemen.
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the position played by this player.
noun
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of linebacker
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.
Vocabulary lists containing linebacker
American Football, 2nd Quarter
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Frindle
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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Decades after helping Michigan to national championships in 1932 and 1933, the outstanding center and linebacker Gerald Ford became the 38th president of the United States on the Republican ticket.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 4, 2026
“In those type of moments, you forget football,” Lions linebacker Derrick Barnes told reporters after the game.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 2, 2026
On Wednesday, the Rams signed to the practice squad kicker Joshua Karty and long-snapper Jake McQuaide — both of whom played previously for the Rams — and linebacker Jon Rhattigan.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 28, 2026
On Monday, McVay said linebacker Nate Landman was in concussion protocol.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 22, 2026
He has a heavy, broad forehead and the shoulders of an aging linebacker.
From "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett
Among linebackers, junior Luke Ulibarri of El Camino Real has been credited with 86 tackles in five games.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 23, 2026
Josaiah Stewart, Desjuan Johnson and rookie Wesley Bailey are other outside linebackers on the roster.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 13, 2026
As an NFL fullback, Patrick DiMarco faced linebackers the size of French Door fridges.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 19, 2026
He wanted a challenge — and he’ll get a double dose with USC’s linebackers and special teams units.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 23, 2026
From Mayes with the linebackers, filling up an entire blackboard with defenses and read responsibilities that looked like an equation for nuclear fusion.
From "Friday Night Lights: A Town, A Team, And A Dream" by H.G. Bissinger
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Get a wordDefinitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
