backliner

noun

back·​lin·​er ˈbak-ˌlī-nər How to pronounce backliner (audio)
plural backliners
: a defensive player on a team's back line (as in ice hockey or soccer) : defenseman
David … has emerged as a reliable puck-moving backliner.Pierre McGuire, Sports Illustrated, 12 Apr. 1999

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of backliner was in 1927

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near backliner

Cite this Entry

“Backliner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backliner. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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