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

Edison needs a big game from quarterback Sam Thomson, who has nine touchdown passes with one interception.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“When you have an opportunity to add a caliber of quarterback like Cam, those things are priceless.”

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Robinson also caught six passes from quarterback Michael Penix Jr. for 68 yards for a total of 238 yards from scrimmage, the most ever for a Falcons running back.

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For quarterback Matthew Stafford “the biggest thing is not being in your own house, not having your family around, all that kind of stuff,” he said.

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And, of course, don’t forget the players — quarterback Nico Iamaleava’s leadership and poise alongside a slew of others who have risen to the moment after so much early struggle.

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Related Words

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