backfield

noun

back·​field ˈbak-ˌfēld How to pronounce backfield (audio)
: the football players whose positions are behind the line of scrimmage
also : the positions themselves

Examples of backfield in a Sentence

a tackle made in the backfield The team has a strong backfield.
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.
Carter is an athletic freak who lives in opposing backfields with his combination of physicality, burst, bend, and arsenal of moves. Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Apr. 2025 Boise State football is entering a new stage of life without Ashton Jeanty in the backfield, and that means fans and the team — despite its desire to focus on the ground game — might have to adjust to seeing the ball in the air a bit more. Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 15 Apr. 2025 Los Angeles Rams: OG Tyler Booker After bringing in Davante Adams, extending Matthew Stafford and another year of Kyren Williams manning the backfield, the Rams need a guy to keep their weapons moving. Fox News Staff, FOXNews.com, 4 Apr. 2025 Gibbs shared the backfield with David Montgomery but still totaled 1,261 yards from scrimmage and scored 11 touchdowns. Adam Jahns, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for backfield

Word History

First Known Use

1897, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of backfield was in 1897

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Backfield.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backfield. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

backfield

noun
back·​field -ˌfēld How to pronounce backfield (audio)
: the football players who line up behind the line of scrimmage
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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