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
Inside linebacker The Panthers signed Christian Rozeboom to push Trevin Wallace this summer.
—Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 22 Apr. 2025
At linebacker, Miami has been linked to BYU’s Harrison Taggert, who was recruited by Mario Cristobal at Oregon.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 21 Apr. 2025
Ripp is originally a linebacker but spent parts of last year playing edge.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 20 Apr. 2025
When the offseason began, Edwards’ $7 million-per-year contract ranked 27th among off-ball linebackers.
—Kevin Fishbain, New York Times, 17 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.
Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 22 Apr. 2025
At linebacker, Miami has been linked to BYU’s Harrison Taggert, who was recruited by Mario Cristobal at Oregon.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 21 Apr. 2025
Ripp is originally a linebacker but spent parts of last year playing edge.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 20 Apr. 2025
When the offseason began, Edwards’ $7 million-per-year contract ranked 27th among off-ball linebackers.
—Kevin Fishbain, New York Times, 17 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 27 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