quarterback

American  

[kwawr-ter-bak] / ˈkwɔr tərˌbæk /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of quarterback

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

Example Sentences

Miami had tied its future to quarterback Tua Tagovailoa by handing him one of the largest contracts in the sport’s history.

From The Wall Street Journal

As a freshman this year, he was the fourth-string quarterback on the freshman team, played JV basketball and started for the varsity baseball squad.

From The Wall Street Journal

He was successful in high school, becoming the starting quarterback, class and student body president.

From Salon

And, generally, people whose lives were going great—NFL quarterbacks, rock stars, famous actors and actresses, genius scientists—generally, they didn’t give up their kids for adoption.

From Literature

There he became the star quarterback and participated in the beginnings of the sit-ins that became a signature part of the civil rights movement led by the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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