tailback

noun

tail·​back ˈtāl-ˌbak How to pronounce tailback (audio)
1
: the offensive football back farthest from the line of scrimmage
2
British : a line of vehicles caused by a traffic slowdown or stoppage

Examples of tailback in a Sentence

stuck in a five-mile tailback on the southbound carriageway
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Analysts all week noted the Bills’ 25-point loss in Week 4, their size discrepancies against Ravens tailback Derrick Henry, the difficulties in corralling all-galaxy quarterback Lamar Jackson. Tim Graham, The Athletic, 20 Jan. 2025 But that move would leave the Dolphins thin at tailback, and void of a team leader. Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 20 Jan. 2025 Meanwhile, the Chiefs have had at least one tailback carry the ball at least 170 times in each of the last three seasons, another quiet bedrock in the AFC’s latest dynasty. Sean Keeler, The Denver Post, 15 Jan. 2025 Outside of tailback De’Von Achane, who led all rushers with 121 yards, most of which came on a 61-yard scamper to set up the Dolphins’ second field goal, the run game once again looked inefficient. C. Isaiah Smalls Ii, Miami Herald, 6 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for tailback 

Word History

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of tailback was in 1930

Dictionary Entries Near tailback

Cite this Entry

“Tailback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tailback. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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