linebacker

American  

[lahyn-bak-er] / ˈlaɪnˌbæk ər /

noun

Football.

1. a player on defense who takes a position close behind the linemen.

2. the position played by this player.

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linebacker British  

/ ˈlaɪnˌbækə /

noun

1. a defensive player in American or Canadian football who is positioned just behind the line of scrimmage

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Etymology

Origin of linebacker

First recorded in 1960–65; line ¹ + backer

Example Sentences

Paul took exception, pointing out that he played linebacker in high school.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 20, 2026

Already, several have done so, most prominently linebacker Luke Kuechly at 28 and quarterback Andrew Luck at 29.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 4, 2026

University of Montana linebacker Solomon Tuliaupupu will return to school for the 2026-’27 season after being granted a ninth year of eligibility by the National Collegiate Athletics Association.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 11, 2026

Then, using a second-round pick from Denver that same year, they scooped up linebacker Derick Hall.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 9, 2026

Nick guessed she would play linebacker on a football team, because that’s what his dad had played in college.

From "Frindle" by Andrew Clements