fullback

noun

full·​back ˈfu̇l-ˌbak 

1

: an offensive football back used primarily for line plunges and blocking

2

: a primarily defensive player usually stationed nearest the defended goal (as in soccer or field hockey)

Examples of fullback in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The former Spain international fullback remains highly effective on the left side. —Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 15 May 2025

Ricci could split his time between fullback and tight end. —Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 28 Apr. 2025

Rome, a former North Carolina fullback, coached the previous three seasons at NAIA Florida Memorial, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in Miami Gardens, Fla. —Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025

Former head coach Mike McCarthy was fond of carrying a fullback, so that ensured a spot for Luepke. —Saad Yousuf, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for fullback

• aback
• anzac
• attack
• backpack
• backtrack
• bareback
• blackjack
• brownback
• buyback
• callback
• cognac
• comeback

Kids Definition

fullback

noun

full·​back ˈfu̇l-ˌbak 

1

: a football back who usually lines up between the halfbacks

2

: a mainly defensive player (as in soccer or field hockey) who usually plays near the goal to be defended