linebacker
noun
line·back·er
ˈlīn-ˌba-kər 
plural linebackers
: a football player on the defending team who typically lines up behind the defensive linemen
They play tight defense in the secondary, and linebackers fill gaps on the run and are expected to defend the pass.—
Jerry McDonald
Jerry McDonaldToday, a blitzing linebacker is just as likely to get a sack because no one blocked him as he is on a great pass rush move.—Tim Green
Tim GreenExamples of linebacker in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The Pats released the veteran linebacker on Feb. 19.
—Skyler Caruso, People.com, 17 Mar. 2025
In a trade with the Tennessee Titans on March 12, the Cowboys sent a sixth-round draft pick in exchange for veteran linebacker Kenneth Murray Jr. and a seventh-round pick.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Mar. 2025
Thus far, the 49ers' offseason has seen many free agents sign elsewhere, including linebacker Dre Greenlaw and cornerback Charvarius Ward.
—Mark Davis, Newsweek, 16 Mar. 2025
The Broncos have reframed expectations by signing 49ers safety Talanoa Hufanga, linebacker Dre Greenlaw and Engram.
—Troy Renck, The Denver Post, 15 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for linebacker
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Skyler Caruso, People.com, 17 Mar. 2025
In a trade with the Tennessee Titans on March 12, the Cowboys sent a sixth-round draft pick in exchange for veteran linebacker Kenneth Murray Jr. and a seventh-round pick.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Mar. 2025
Thus far, the 49ers' offseason has seen many free agents sign elsewhere, including linebacker Dre Greenlaw and cornerback Charvarius Ward.
—Mark Davis, Newsweek, 16 Mar. 2025
The Broncos have reframed expectations by signing 49ers safety Talanoa Hufanga, linebacker Dre Greenlaw and Engram.
—Troy Renck, The Denver Post, 15 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for linebacker
Cite this Entry
“Linebacker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/linebacker. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.
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linebacker
noun
line·back·er
ˈlīn-ˌbak-ər
: a football player on the defending team whose usual position is a short distance in back of the line of scrimmage
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