runback

[ ruhn-bak ]

noun

1. Football.
   1. a run made by a player toward the goal line of the opponents after receiving a kick, intercepting a pass, or recovering an opponent's fumble.
   2. the distance covered in making such a run.
2. Tennis. the space on a tennis court between the base line and the backstop.

Word History and Origins

Origin of runback¹

First recorded in 1905–10; noun use of verb phrase run back

Example Sentences

The interpretation is important because a below-the-shoulder wave could trick oncoming coverage players into believing a fair catch was called and cause them to back off, giving the returner an advantage on a runback.

From Seattle Times

Center David Andrews was examined for a concussion late in the fourth quarter after being leveled by a blindside block by Mike Pennel during a runback following an interception by Zappe.

From Seattle Times

Baylor trailed 23-3 after Nixon’s runback, but made it a game after that.

From Washington Post

They were loud and raucous — “We almost didn’t hear the phone ring,” Heikkila said — cheering every hit, guard and angled double runback pulled off by the Americans.

From Washington Post

Two epic plays: James Harrison’s 100-yard interception runback for a touchdown as the clock ran out in the first half and Santonio Holmes’ unbelievable catch of a Ben Roethlisberger pass to win the game in the waning seconds.

From Los Angeles Times