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

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

The next day, he could have been in a New York Jets uniform and told us he’s a quarterback.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

Cavallari oversees a lifestyle brand in Nashville and shares three children with her ex-husband, the former NFL quarterback Jay Cutler.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has also helped fund soccer infrastructure.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

Before the 2026 College Football Playoff national championship, a reporter asked University of Miami quarterback Carson Beck, a transfer from Georgia, whether he had to worry about class that week.

From Salon • Apr. 5, 2026

But the game he felt proudest of took place when he had played quarterback for the Mount Vernon Purple and White Tigers in the homecoming game against Sulphur Spring.

From "Friday Night Lights: A Town, A Team, And A Dream" by H.G. Bissinger

Related Words

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