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

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

Rodriguez, a fullback, plays professionally for Club Sport Emelec in Guayaquil. —David Matthews, New York Daily News, 24 Apr. 2025

The club agreed to a one-year contract with veteran fullback Michael Burton, sources told The Post on Wednesday morning. —Luca Evans, Denver Post, 26 Mar. 2025

An intriguing fullback option has also emerged, as the 49ers are expected to release veteran Kyle Juszczyk, according to The Athletic’s Jeff Howe. —Michael-Shawn Dugar, The Athletic, 11 Mar. 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