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

Ah’Mari, a whip-fast sophomore wide receiver with two state championships under his belt, peered out the window as various high-school campuses passed below.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 10, 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

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

Branch was ranked as the nation’s No. 1 wide receiver out of Las Vegas Bishop Gorman High and considered a landmark recruiting win for USC coach Lincoln Riley.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 20, 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