quarterback

American  

[kwawr-ter-bak] / ˈkwɔr tərˌbæk /

noun

quarterbacks plural

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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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• quarterbacks
  plural

Etymology

Origin of quarterback

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

Explanation

In American football, the quarterback is in charge of the team's offense. When football players huddle in a circle to plan their plays, the quarterback usually decides which strategy to use. In many ways, a quarterback is a team's leader, although ultimately the coach is in charge. When an NFL team wins the Super Bowl, the quarterback accepts the winning trophy. As a verb, to quarterback either means, literally, to play the position of quarterback, or to lead a team or project: "The teacher asked me to quarterback the class Halloween party." Quarterback comes from the starting field position, between the center and the halfback.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

quarterback quarterbacks

Simpson started only 15 games for Alabama, but the Rams apparently saw enough to determine he was worthy of using their highest pick since selecting quarterback Jared Goff No. 1 overall in 2016.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 27, 2026

So call it a quiet, workmanlike beginning for the 13th player taken in the NFL draft, a quarterback the Rams ostensibly chose to become Matthew Stafford’s heir apparent.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 27, 2026

CHAMINADE: There’s speed and size surrounding sophomore quarterback Jeremy Mellalieu.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 26, 2026

Palos Verdes has a four-year starter at quarterback, Ryan Rakowski, and he’s going to cause many problems for defenses this fall with his knowledge and accuracy.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 12, 2026

Then, as the quarterback was about to kiss her, she morphed into a dead iguana.

From "Hoot" by Carl Hiaasen

And those legendary quarterbacks were still chasing their sport’s greatest prizes.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 26, 2026

Instead, as one of the hottest quarterbacks in the transfer portal, he accepted millions to go play for the Red Raiders.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 23, 2026

Instead of declaring for the draft, though, he was wooed by dozens of universities as one of the hottest quarterbacks in the transfer portal.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 16, 2026

Other prominent athletes who became his patients include former Lakers legend Kobe Bryant and star NFL quarterbacks Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers and Joe Burrow.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 12, 2026

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 "Found" by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Related Words

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