running back

noun

: a football back (such as a halfback or fullback) who carries the ball on running plays

Examples of running back in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Fellow running back Raachad White scored Tampa’s first touchdown in the third quarter on a 9-yard catch-and-run, tying the score at 10. Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024 San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey is expected to return for the team’s Week 10 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, head coach Kyle Shanahan said in a weekly radio appearance Thursday. Rohan Nadkarni, NBC News, 8 Nov. 2024 Gillick, the Chargers’ high-powered running back who came into the contest averaging 168 yards a game, was nursing an injury and saw limited action, getting only 10 carries. Lou Ponsi, Orange County Register, 7 Nov. 2024 Plus, the Golden Eagles don’t just throw it, as shifty running back Jack Blais is capable of grind-it-out runs as well as huge bursts. Matt Schubert, The Denver Post, 6 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for running back 

Word History

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of running back was in 1891

Dictionary Entries Near running back

Cite this Entry

“Running back.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/running%20back. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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