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runback

American  
[ruhn-bak] / ˈrʌnˌbæk /

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.


Etymology

Origin of runback

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


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

That’s to say failure is never an option for the 26-year-old Berrios, who leads the NFL in kick return average with 28.9 yards per runback — helped by a 79-yard return last Sunday against Philadelphia.

From Seattle Times ● Dec. 10, 2021

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Jameson Williams opened the game with a 100-yard kickoff return, then added an 81-yard touchdown catch and another 83-yard runback in Alabama’s rout.

From Washington Post ● Sep. 25, 2021

I mean, how often to you get a decent runback anyway?

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 12, 2021

Sexton's runback led to a 4-yard scoring run by much-traveled running back Kalen Ballage, now with his fourth team in as many years.

From Fox News ● Aug. 5, 2021

Pomeroy's ball on Grinnell's forty yard line and Mack Carver's brilliant runback of the initial kick-off reduced to naught!

From Interference and Other Football Stories by Harold Morrow Sherman

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