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Synonyms

fullback

American  
[fool-bak] / ˈfʊlˌbæk /

noun

Football.
  1. a running back who lines up behind the quarterback and is farthest from the line of scrimmage.

  2. the position played by this back.

  3. (in soccer, Rugby, field hockey) a player stationed near the defended goal to carry out chiefly defensive duties.


fullback British  
/ ˈfʊlˌbæk /

noun

  1. soccer hockey one of two defensive players positioned in front of the goalkeeper

  2. rugby a defensive player positioned close to his own line

  3. the position held by any of these players

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of fullback

First recorded in 1885–90; full 1 + back 1

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Former Miami Dolphins fullback Alec Ingold reunites with Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel in L.A. on a multiyear deal.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 9, 2026

“It could be a real easy excuse for us to say, ‘Alright, that’s finally the last straw that’s gonna keep us from doing this thing,’” fullback Kyle Juszczyk said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 14, 2026

Hansen, playing at fullback for the first time at Test level, touched down under the posts twice inside the first quarter of an hour.

From Barron's • Nov. 15, 2025

Jordan last fall while playing fullback, defensive end and receiver caught the attention of Colorado State assistant Chad Savage, who later joined USC as an assistant.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 6, 2025

On offense black athletes started at flanker, split end, and fullback.

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