tailback

[ teyl-bak ]

/ ˈteɪlˌbæk /

Save This Word!

See synonyms for tailback on Thesaurus.com

noun Football.

the offensive back who lines up farthest behind the line of scrimmage, as in a single wingback or double wingback formation.

the position played by this back.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of tailback

First recorded in 1935–40; tail¹ + back¹

Words nearby tailback

taiga, taihoa, Taihu, taikonaut, tail, tailback, tailband, tail between one's legs, with one's, tailboard, tailbone, tail coat

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use tailback in a sentence

A 1,239-yard season will be just as “good” for a contemporary tailback in the new 17-game era as it was in years past.
The Records That May (Or May Not) Fall In A 17-Game NFL Season|Ty Schalter|April 12, 2021|FiveThirtyEight
He excelled as a defensive back and tailback at Florida High, the school next to Florida State, but he was about 130 pounds.
New GM Martin Mayhew again returns to Washington with unfinished business|Sam Fortier|March 11, 2021|Washington Post
The Saints made it two for two on tailback Alvin Kamara’s one-yard touchdown run.
Alvin Kamara’s six-touchdown greatness gives the Saints another division crown|Mark Maske|December 26, 2020|Washington Post
A 57-yard run by tailback David Montgomery gave them a first down at the Green Bay 8-yard line.
Aaron Rodgers continues to thrive. Mitchell Trubisky? Not so much.|Mark Maske|November 30, 2020|Washington Post

Ryan and tailback Todd Gurley ran for touchdowns for the Falcons, who improved to 2-6.
Teddy Bridgewater shakes off 'cheap shot,’ but Falcons keep it together to hold off Panthers|Mark Maske|October 30, 2020|Washington Post
Bob,” says George Cafego, a Vol tailback then and a UT assistant coach now, “had every opportunity to be a millionaire.
Football Great Bob Suffridge Wanders Through the End Zone of Life|Paul Hemphill|September 6, 2014|DAILY BEAST

British Dictionary definitions for tailback

tailback

/ (ˈteɪlˌbæk) /

noun

a queue of traffic stretching back from an obstruction

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

tailback

Origin of tailback

Words nearby tailback

Words related to tailback

How to use tailback in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for tailback