quarterback

[ kwawr-ter-bak ]

/ ˈkwɔr tərˌbæk /

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See synonyms for: quarterback / quarterbacked / quarterbacking on Thesaurus.com

noun

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

the position played by this back.

a person who leads or directs a group or activity.

verb (used with object)

to direct the offense of (a team).

to lead or direct: to quarterback a public-relations campaign.

verb (used without object)

to play the position of quarterback.

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of quarterback

An Americanism dating back to 1875–80; quarter + back¹

Words nearby quarterback

quart, quartan, quarte, quarter, quarterage, quarterback, quarterback sneak, quarter bar, quarter bend, quarter binding, quarter blanket

How to use quarterback in a sentence

These quarterbacks are testing their ability to leverage their indispensable talent and stretch their authority.
The NFL’s top QBs are waking up to their power, following Tom Brady and LeBron James|Jerry Brewer|February 11, 2021|Washington Post
The next big quarterback question for Washington probably involves Smith.
Quarterback Taylor Heinicke signs two-year contract to return to Washington Football Team|Sam Fortier|February 10, 2021|Washington Post
Yet Brady has ignored all of that history, setting new single-season QB value records for quarterbacks at ages 40, 41, 42 and 43.
All The Ways That Tom Brady Is Football’s GOAT|Neil Paine (neil.paine@fivethirtyeight.com)|February 9, 2021|FiveThirtyEight
As usual, much of the most important roster maneuvering will involve quarterbacks.
The 10 biggest roster questions in the NFL as the offseason begins|John Clayton|February 9, 2021|Washington Post

There are expected to be eye-catching moves involving high-profile quarterbacks.
NFL begins an uncertain offseason, with questions about vaccines, the salary cap and more|Mark Maske|February 9, 2021|Washington Post
He is an immensely talented quarterback who has dedicated his entire life to athletic excellence and discipline.
Justin Bieber Isn’t Even 21, Yet Makes More Money Than Meryl Streep|Amy Zimmerman|November 25, 2014|DAILY BEAST
But that quiet approach has served the onetime UCLA quarterback, now 63, well through his lengthy acting career.
NCIS’s Mark Harmon Is the World’s Biggest TV Star|Jason Lynch|September 23, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Or consider the case of Florida State quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston.
Hey NFL Fans: Ray Rice Isn’t the Problem. You Are.|Steve Almond|July 24, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Now, the Green Bay Packers quarterback is a Super Bowl champion, most valuable player, and State Farm Discount Double-Check guy.
Don’t Cry for Johnny Football. The NFL’s 22nd Pick Will Do Just Fine.|Ben Teitelbaum|May 9, 2014|DAILY BEAST
University of Central Florida quarterback Blake Bortles—“WHO?”
Don’t Cry for Johnny Football. The NFL’s 22nd Pick Will Do Just Fine.|Ben Teitelbaum|May 9, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Sara was halfback on the freshman football team, while Jim played quarterback.
Still Jim|Honor Willsie Morrow
He was maneuvering his two hundred pounds around Washington Square with the agility of a quarterback.
Martian V.F.W.|G.L. Vandenburg
Grant's right guard and tackle stood up straight in their places, looking helplessly toward the quarterback.
The Boy Scouts of Lakeville High|Leslie W. Quirk
It was a new play they had learned that past week, a double pass, with the quarterback eventually taking the ball.
The Boy Scouts of Lakeville High|Leslie W. Quirk
It seemed to the little quarterback that the fellows had gone suddenly insane.
The Boy Scouts of Lakeville High|Leslie W. Quirk

British Dictionary definitions for quarterback

quarterback

/ (ˈkwɔːtəˌbæk) /

noun US and Canadian

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

Monday-morning quarterbacking wisdom after the event, esp by spectators

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

quarterback

Origin of quarterback

Words nearby quarterback

Words related to quarterback

How to use quarterback in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for quarterback