quarterback

[kwawr-ter-bak]

noun

1. a back in football who usually lines up immediately behind the center and directs the offense of the team.

2. the position played by this back.

3. a person who leads or directs a group or activity.

verb (used with object)

1. to direct the offense of (a team).

2. to lead or direct.

   to quarterback a public-relations campaign.

verb (used without object)

1. to play the position of quarterback.

quarterback

/ ˈkwɔːtəˌbæk /

noun

1. a player in American or Canadian football, positioned usually behind the centre, who directs attacking play

2. wisdom after the event, esp by spectators

Word History and Origins

Origin of quarterback¹

An Americanism dating back to 1875–80; quarter + back ¹

Example Sentences

There was no way Iamaleava could grit his way to victory, the Bruins eventually succumbing during a 29-10 loss to the Trojans in which their quarterback was sacked four times — all in the second half.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Tritons quarterback Taylor Lee didn’t have to hold his breath for long.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

From the first time he lined up under center, Marcel Reed made it clear he wasn’t like most quarterbacks.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

It’s like the quarterback and homecoming queen losing a popularity contest to a wheezing weirdo.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love threw four touchdown passes -- including two on fourth down -- to lead the Packers to a 31-24 NFL victory over the Detroit Lions on Thursday.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• accompany 
• advise 
• educate 
• escort 
• govern 
• handle 
• influence 
• instruct 
• manage 
• maneuver 
• navigate 
• oversee 
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• see 
• shepherd 
• steer 
• supervise 
• sway 
• teach 
• train