drop back

verb

dropped back; dropping back; drops back

intransitive verb

1
2
: to move straight back from the line of scrimmage
the quarterback drops back to pass

Examples of drop back in a Sentence

a change in the wind direction forced the firefighters to drop back
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.
Hurts dropped back to throw it only 30 times in that scenario. Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 4 Feb. 2025 The first season’s finale dropped back in spring of 2022 and Erickson told The Hollywood Reporter when returning with season two that world events in the time between, namely the pandemic and shifted return-to-office policies, greatly influenced the new season of the workplace mystery drama. Jackie Strause, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Jan. 2025 Allen dropped back, then stepped forward and tore through the defense, breaking multiple tackles on his way to a 26-yard touchdown run. Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times, 20 Jan. 2025 To this, Penner dropped back and hit Andy Reid right between the whiskers. Sean Keeler, The Denver Post, 15 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for drop back 

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of drop back was in 1927

Dictionary Entries Near drop back

Cite this Entry

“Drop back.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/drop%20back. Accessed 9 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on drop back

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!