linebacker
noun
line·back·er
ˈlīn-ˌba-kər 
plural linebackers
: a football player on the defending team who typically lines up behind the defensive linemen
They play tight defense in the secondary, and linebackers fill gaps on the run and are expected to defend the pass.—
Jerry McDonald
Jerry McDonaldToday, a blitzing linebacker is just as likely to get a sack because no one blocked him as he is on a great pass rush move.—Tim Green
Tim GreenExamples of linebacker in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Cornerback Devon Witherspoon sacked Maye in the first half and in the fourth quarter hit his arm on a pass that resulted in linebacker Uchenna Nwosu’s interception return for a touchdown.
—Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026
Jones is an active, athletic linebacker in the center of the Seattle defense who’s often asked to drop back into coverage.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 8 Feb. 2026
Outside linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson is the biggest name to know, followed by some order of safety Jaylinn Hawkins, tight end Austin Hooper, inside linebacker Jack Gibbens and defensive lineman Khyiris Tonga.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 8 Feb. 2026
After 10 sacks in the last nine games of the season, Pearce was voted a finalist for the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year Award eventually won this week by Cleveland Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger.
—David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 8 Feb. 2026
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Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026
Jones is an active, athletic linebacker in the center of the Seattle defense who’s often asked to drop back into coverage.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 8 Feb. 2026
Outside linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson is the biggest name to know, followed by some order of safety Jaylinn Hawkins, tight end Austin Hooper, inside linebacker Jack Gibbens and defensive lineman Khyiris Tonga.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 8 Feb. 2026
After 10 sacks in the last nine games of the season, Pearce was voted a finalist for the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year Award eventually won this week by Cleveland Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger.
—David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 8 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for linebacker
Cite this Entry
“Linebacker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/linebacker. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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linebacker
noun
line·back·er
ˈlīn-ˌbak-ər
: a football player on the defending team whose usual position is a short distance in back of the line of scrimmage
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