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.
Warren played 53 snaps in Week 1, with 33 at tight end, nine from the slot, six at receiver and two in the backfield, per NFL Pro. James Boyd, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025 Diggs remains a viable threat in its defensive backfield, but the team will likely lack defensive pressure off the edges with Parsons now in Wisconsin. Robert Marvi, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025 Edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson can help with that second one, though teams may employ the Green Bay Packers' strategy to keep Hutch out of the backfield. Christian Romo, Freep.com, 11 Sep. 2025 Meanwhile, a couple of running backs that people sort of ignored in drafts because of the uncertainty of their backfield, Javonte Williams and Travis Etienne, clearly established themselves as the guy in their backfields, especially in Jacksonville. Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 11 Sep. 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 16 Sep. 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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