quarterback

[ kwawr-ter-bak ]

noun

1. a back in football who usually lines up immediately behind the center and directs the offense of the team.
2. the position played by this back.
3. a person who leads or directs a group or activity.

verb (used with object)

1. to direct the offense of (a team).
2. to lead or direct:

   to quarterback a public-relations campaign.

verb (used without object)

1. to play the position of quarterback.

quarterback

/ ˈkwɔːtəˌbæk /

noun

1. a player in American or Canadian football, positioned usually behind the centre, who directs attacking play
2. Monday-morning quarterbacking
   wisdom after the event, esp by spectators

Word History and Origins

Origin of quarterback¹

An Americanism dating back to 1875–80; quarter + back ¹

Example Sentences

As was Patriots quarterback Tom Brady’s custom, he came onto the field with Jay-Z’s “Public Service Announcement” ringing through the stadium.

From Los Angeles Times

When else are they going to catch the Cowboys with a bunch of guys hurt and Cooper Rush at quarterback?

From Los Angeles Times

The 6-3 Chargers have won three in a row, but next comes a stretch of difficult games against top-notch quarterbacks, starting with Joe Burrow and the Bengals.

From Los Angeles Times

Mission Viejo rotates two quarterbacks, has top receivers, a top running back and a great secondary.

From Los Angeles Times

The Dolphins had lost six of their last seven games, their quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was under scrutiny for multiple concussions, and speedy receiver Tyreek Hill was playing with a torn wrist.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• accompany
• advise
• educate
• escort
• govern
• handle
• influence
• instruct
• manage
• maneuver
• navigate
• oversee
• regulate
• see
• shepherd
• steer
• supervise
• sway
• teach
• train