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
Mike Vrabel, who played linebacker for the Patriots for eight seasons and won three Super Bowls with the team, is now tasked with turning the once proud franchise around.
—Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Inside linebacker is a glamour position in Baltimore for obvious reasons, and that probably factored into the regular criticism of Queen.
—Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
In addition to safety, Tims took snaps at linebacker for Armwood.
—Quentin Corpuel, Kansas City Star, 4 Apr. 2025
The New Orleans Saints linebacker married Emily Chernoff on Saturday, March 22, in a traditional Catholic ceremony at Saint Joan of Arc Church followed by an elegant ballroom reception at Scottish Rite Cathedral in their hometown Indianapolis.
—Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 3 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for linebacker
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Inside linebacker is a glamour position in Baltimore for obvious reasons, and that probably factored into the regular criticism of Queen.
—Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
In addition to safety, Tims took snaps at linebacker for Armwood.
—Quentin Corpuel, Kansas City Star, 4 Apr. 2025
The New Orleans Saints linebacker married Emily Chernoff on Saturday, March 22, in a traditional Catholic ceremony at Saint Joan of Arc Church followed by an elegant ballroom reception at Scottish Rite Cathedral in their hometown Indianapolis.
—Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 3 Apr. 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 15 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share