wide receiver

American  

noun

Football.

1. an offensive player positioned wide of the formation, as a split end, used primarily as a pass receiver.

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wide receiver British  

noun

1. American football a player whose function is to catch long passes from the quarterback

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Etymology

Origin of wide receiver

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

Yet the next two picks were both offensive players, with the Arizona Cardinals selecting running back Jeremiyah Love before the Tennessee Titans sprang a surprise by taking wide receiver Carnell Tate.

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026

University of Texas quarterback Arch Manning has an NIL valuation of $5.4 million, for example, and Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith has an NIL value of $4.2 million, according to database On3.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 23, 2026

Six teams finished with two first-round picks while the Jets had three after jumping back into the first round for wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr.

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026

Sean McVay hopes Puka Nacua will “learn and grow” in the wake of a woman filing a lawsuit against the wide receiver as the Rams consider a contract extension.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2026

Just like back when you and Clancy pretended to be in the Super Bowl, him the quarterback and you the wide receiver.

From "Look Both Ways" by Jason Reynolds