runback

[ ruhn-bak ]

noun

1. Football.
   1. a run made by a player toward the goal line of the opponents after receiving a kick, intercepting a pass, or recovering an opponent's fumble.
   2. the distance covered in making such a run.
2. Tennis. the space on a tennis court between the base line and the backstop.

Word History and Origins

Origin of runback¹

First recorded in 1905–10; noun use of verb phrase run back

Example Sentences

During the ensuing runback, tempers flared, and things got a little chippy.

From The Daily Beast

Until these ewes have all found their lambs there is danger of a "runback" should you leave them.

From Project Gutenberg