drop back

verb

dropped back; dropping back; drops back

intransitive verb

1
2
: to move straight back from the line of scrimmage
the quarterback drops back to pass

Examples of drop back in a Sentence

a change in the wind direction forced the firefighters to drop back
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.
Pressing from the front, dropping back to help his defence and running beyond City’s last line were all on show on Sunday, making Szobozslai a strong contender for player of the match. Sam Lee, The Athletic, 23 Feb. 2025 His struggles continued at the Triple-A Oklahoma City Comets in 2024, and Cartaya was dropped back down to Tulsa midway through the season. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 4 Jan. 2025 But fast forward two months and Windows 10 has recovered around 3% as Windows 11 has dropped back down towards 34%. Zak Doffman, Forbes, 1 Jan. 2025 At times, James also looked confused as to whether to push ahead or drop back and protect his defence, which contributed to Villa’s midfield dictating proceedings. Simon Johnson, The Athletic, 22 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for drop back

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of drop back was in 1927

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Drop back.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/drop%20back. Accessed 18 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on drop back

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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