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.
That group is led by linebacker Anthony Hill, edge rusher Colin Simmons and safety Michael Taaffe on defense, and speedsters like tailback Quintrevion Wisner and receivers Ryan Wingo and Deandre Moore on offense. Tom Murphy, Arkansas Online, 20 July 2025 Receiver Tre Wilson and tailback Jadan Baugh were both placed on the third-team as an all-purpose player. Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 July 2025 The Pro Bowl tailback (Raheem Mostert) and fullback (Alec Ingold) both sustained injuries that hindered their contribution levels. Miami Herald, 10 July 2025 Bulldogs tailback Nick Chubb tied the game with 55 seconds remaining, and Riley controversially elected to settle for overtime. David Ubben, New York Times, 22 May 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tailback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tailback. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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