halfback

noun

half·​back ˈhaf-ˌbak 

ˈhäf-

1

: one of the backs stationed near either flank in football

2

: a player stationed immediately behind the forward line (as in field hockey, soccer, or rugby)

Examples of halfback in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

First opened as a drugstore by Sheldon Toomer, a halfback on Auburn’s very first football team, the famous gathering place has been around since 1896. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 27 Feb. 2025

Led by halfback Jimmy Shofner, who ran for a score and returned a punt 89 yards for a touchdown, the Horned Frogs kept pace with the Buckeyes throughout the first half. —Scott Dochterman, The Athletic, 15 Jan. 2025

Offensively, the Eagles are one dimensional, but what a dimension with halfback Saquon Barkley. —Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 17 Jan. 2025

Jackson passed for 175 yards and two touchdowns against the Steelers, primarily as a wingman to halfback Derrick Henry, who rushed for 186 yards and two touchdowns. —Jack Magruder, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1882, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for halfback

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

Kids Definition

halfback

noun

half·​back ˈhaf-ˌbak 

ˈhȧf-

1

: a football back who lines up toward the right or left side of the formation

2

: a player positioned behind the forward line in some games (as soccer or field hockey)