halfback

noun

half·​back ˈhaf-ˌbak How to pronounce halfback (audio)
ˈhäf-
1
: one of the backs stationed near either flank in football
2
: a player stationed immediately behind the forward line (as in field hockey, soccer, or rugby)

Examples of halfback in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Dub Jones, a star halfback on the early Cleveland Browns teams of the 1940s and 1950s, has passed away, per a team announcement. Newsweek, 3 Nov. 2024 The Vikings have 11 Lions’ halfback Jahmyr Gibbs torched Minnesota for 116 yards rushing and 160 yards from scrimmage last week. Jack Magruder, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024 The only score for the Cardinal was a 19-yard halfback pass from Micah Ford to Elic Ayomanor. Harold Gutmann, The Mercury News, 5 Oct. 2024 Rookie halfback Bucky Irving has worked his way into the Bucs’ game plan, and the offense chewed up Philadelphia with 445 yards in a 33-16 victory last week after beating Super Bowl contender Detroit two weeks before. Jack Magruder, Forbes, 3 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for halfback 

Word History

First Known Use

1882, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of halfback was in 1882

Dictionary Entries Near halfback

Cite this Entry

“Halfback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/halfback. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

halfback

noun
half·​back ˈhaf-ˌbak How to pronounce halfback (audio)
ˈhȧf-
1
: a football back who lines up toward the right or left side of the formation
2
: a player positioned behind the forward line in some games (as soccer or field hockey)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!