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

Despite being one of the few teams to utilize a fullback, the Dolphins offense continues its struggles converting short-yardage plays on third and fourth down. —Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 4 Jan. 2025

Sammy Norris, a fullback who played at Colorado State and UNLV. —Joe Davidson, Sacramento Bee, 2 Jan. 2025

Every year, the wife of San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk celebrates Christmas Eve with her big Italian family in New York, and for nearly 60 years, her Nonna has hosted the festivities. —Jordan Greene, People.com, 24 Dec. 2024

But while Jackson is more like a halfback who runs for more yards, Allen is like a fullback who can be trusted to pick up the necessary yards in a short yardage situation. —Harry Enten, CNN, 13 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined at sense 2

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