1
: one of the backs stationed near either flank in football
2
: a player stationed immediately behind the forward line (as in field hockey, soccer, or rugby)
Examples of halfback in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In fact, Las Vegas' most intriguing halfback in 2024 was probably Sincere McCormick, who is no longer even on the roster.
—
Matthew Schmidt, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
His pass deflection was terrific coverage on a halfback angle route, never giving the running back any room.
—Cameron Teague Robinson, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
Stillwater threw the kitchen sink at Maple Grove on Thursday, including another misdirection — a halfback pass — that was inches away from resulting in another touchdown.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 29 Aug. 2025
First opened as a drugstore by Sheldon Toomer, a halfback on Auburn’s very first football team, the famous gathering place has been around since 1896.
—Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 9 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for halfback
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.
Matthew Schmidt, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
His pass deflection was terrific coverage on a halfback angle route, never giving the running back any room.
—Cameron Teague Robinson, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
Stillwater threw the kitchen sink at Maple Grove on Thursday, including another misdirection — a halfback pass — that was inches away from resulting in another touchdown.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 29 Aug. 2025
First opened as a drugstore by Sheldon Toomer, a halfback on Auburn’s very first football team, the famous gathering place has been around since 1896.
—Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 9 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for halfback
Cite this Entry
“Halfback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/halfback. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
halfback
noun
half·back
ˈhaf-ˌbak 
ˈhȧf-
1
: a football back who lines up toward the right or left side of the formation
2
: a player positioned behind the forward line in some games (as soccer or field hockey)
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share