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

But it didn’t look that way when he sacked Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels in the second quarter and forced a fumble that was recovered by Rams linebacker Omar Speights.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 9, 2026

Detroit linebacker Jack Campbell was resting and recovering in a hospital on Monday, a day after sustaining a neck injury in the Lions’ game against the Minnesota Vikings.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 4, 2026

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

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 defense they started at middle linebacker, defensive end, safety, and rover.

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

At 6 feet 2, 205 pounds, Zamorano is showing signs of becoming one of the best linebackers in the state for a 5-0 Sierra Canyon team that opens Mission League play on Friday against Loyola.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 30, 2026

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

Let’s examine some top linebackers and running backs to keep an eye on this high school football season.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 3, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 19, 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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