backfield

American  

[bak-feeld] / ˈbækˌfild /

noun

Football.

1. (used with a plural verb) the members of the team who, on offense, are stationed behind the linemen and, on defense, behind the linebackers.

2. their positions considered as a unit.

3. the area where the backs play.

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backfield British  

/ ˈbækˌfiːld /

noun

1. (sometimes functioning as plural) the quarterback and running backs in a team

2. the area behind the line of scrimmage from which the backfield begin each play

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Etymology

Origin of backfield

An Americanism dating back to 1910–15; back ¹ + field

Example Sentences

Reed said the “sky is the limit” for the four-star freshman, who could play any number of positions in Patterson’s defensive backfield.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 23, 2026

Ellis Genge, being asked to do a job that is not really his, fluffed a loose backfield ball to hand over a third try.

From BBC • Feb. 14, 2026

Smith-Njigba has given opposing defensive coaches nightmares all season as he can be deployed anywhere -- his explosive runs come from out wide, in the slot, or even the backfield.

From Barron's • Feb. 7, 2026

The play was a quarterback draw, calling for Mendoza to pause for a beat in the backfield, let the defense flow around him and then run straight into the teeth of the opposition.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 20, 2026

But probably it was the thought of Odell, as he had been called all that week during practice, staring across from him in the Marshall backfield.

From "Friday Night Lights: A Town, A Team, And A Dream" by H.G. Bissinger