cornerback

[ kawr-ner-bak ]

noun

, Football.

1. one of two defensive backs back positioned in the secondary between the linebackers and safeties, responsible for covering the outside areas near the sidelines against end runs and pass plays.

cornerback

/ ˈkɔːnəˌbæk /

noun

1. American football a defensive back

Word History and Origins

Origin of cornerback¹

First recorded in 1965–70; corner + back ¹

Example Sentences

Chiefs cornerbacks played aggressively, and once officials flagged their handsy coverage, they failed to adjust.

From Washington Post

His unit is the NFL’s top-ranked run defense and often forces opponents to throw, but the Bucs lack a top-flight cover cornerback and their secondary is liable to allow big plays.

From Washington Post

He had matched up his best cornerback, Carlton Davis, against Hill, but Davis was beaten 11 times for 223 yards and all three of Hill’s touchdowns.

From Washington Post

The Chiefs’ secondary has improved greatly since Brady carved them up in the AFC championship game two years ago, and the play of their cornerbacks in man coverage against the Bills was impressive.

From Washington Post

Just a few snaps after rotational cornerback Rashad Fenton was put in, he caught a tipped pass for an interception in the red zone that all but sealed the game.

From FiveThirtyEight

John Johnson, who played both wingback and cornerback for Army in 1964, felt the same way.

From The Daily Beast

Antonio Cromartie The athletic but injury prone cornerback, along with his 28 career interceptions, was released by the Jets.

From The Daily Beast

The faces attached to this debate are Denver quarterback Peyton Manning and Seattle cornerback Richard Sherman.

From The Daily Beast

Michigan cornerback Charles Woodson is often said to be the only defensive player to take home the trophy in 1997.

From The Daily Beast

Sure, it was completely broken coverage by cornerback Chris Culliver, who made headlines earlier this week for anti-gay remarks.

From The Daily Beast