fullback

noun

full·​back ˈfu̇l-ˌbak How to pronounce fullback (audio)
1
: an offensive football back used primarily for line plunges and blocking
2
: a primarily defensive player usually stationed nearest the defended goal (as in soccer or field hockey)

Examples of fullback in a Sentence

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.
Philadelphia adjusted at the break, pushing fullbacks higher and flooding the midfield, and Charlotte had no response. Colin Cerniglia, Charlotte Observer, 5 Apr. 2026 Fely has never tried his hand in a live game at fullback; Matlock at least caught a couple of TDs as a tight end in special formations while at Boise State. Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 30 Mar. 2026 Lorenzen can line up as a fullback, play his traditional tight end role or step out wide as a receiver. Grace Raynor, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2026 Cutting Alec Ingold, who quickly got signed by the Los Angeles Chargers, puts Miami in the market for a fullback/H-back. Omar Kelly march 16, Miami Herald, 16 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fullback

Word History

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of fullback was in 1875

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Cite this Entry

“Fullback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fullback. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

fullback

noun
full·​back ˈfu̇l-ˌbak How to pronounce fullback (audio)
1
: a football back who usually lines up between the halfbacks
2
: a mainly defensive player (as in soccer or field hockey) who usually plays near the goal to be defended
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