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

Both surges were powered by a new rule that lets schools share athletic revenues with athletes, which enabled them to land top quarterbacks in the transfer portal.

From The Wall Street Journal

Five Chargers were named to the AFC’s Pro Bowl squad Tuesday, including the team’s “quarterbacks” on both sides of the ball.

From Los Angeles Times

It leaves the Dolphins to reckon with the fallout from the most costly mistake in modern football: spending a fortune on a quarterback only to realize that he isn’t actually the answer.

From The Wall Street Journal

Cousins’ young son asks them to stop, but as the quarterback says, “Sometimes you just have to sing Cher.”

From Los Angeles Times

Whether he was scrambling out of the pocket or sprinting on designed quarterback runs, Iamaleava might have been hardest to stop when he planted his feet and took off.

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