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

“A.J. is a member of the Eagles,” Roseman said after using a first-round pick on USC wide receiver Makai Lemon in April.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 2026

From the moment the Philadelphia Eagles landed wide receiver A.J.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 2026

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

Wes was playing defense, guarding one of the kids from the neighborhood who was playing wide receiver.

From "The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates" by Wes Moore