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.
Former 4-star cornerback signee Selman Bridges, who entered and then returned from the portal last season, got back in it, furthering the need for Arkansas to level up in the defensive backfield. Tom Murphy, Arkansas Online, 3 Jan. 2026 A couple of backfield exchanges put the ball back in Jennings’ hands, with tight end Matthew Hibner uncovered. Kyle Kensing, Dallas Morning News, 3 Jan. 2026 And there is no one else of starter quality in the defensive backfield, let alone sufficient depth. Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 2 Jan. 2026 Ask Horn, his defensive backfield mate, and Jackson is still worthy of an individual end-of-season honor. Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 31 Dec. 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 6 Jan. 2026.

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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