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
The movie jumps back to 1970, when Flynt (played in the early scenes by Shawn Patrick Clifford) is the middle linebacker and team captain of the Lobos, the varsity squad of Sull Ross State University.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 19 Sep. 2025
Young got a clear signal about an opportunity ahead of him in March when outside linebacker Michael Hoecht left the Rams in free agency for the Buffalo Bills.
—Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 2025
But after driving deep into Buffalo territory, Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa attempted to connect with Jaylen Waddle on a quick pass, only for Buffalo linebacker Terrel Bernard to step in and get an interception.
—Ben Morse, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2025
Also, the Colts’ completion rate from Week 2 when targeting the Broncos’ starting linebackers on pass plays (6-of-6).
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for linebacker
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Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 19 Sep. 2025
Young got a clear signal about an opportunity ahead of him in March when outside linebacker Michael Hoecht left the Rams in free agency for the Buffalo Bills.
—Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 2025
But after driving deep into Buffalo territory, Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa attempted to connect with Jaylen Waddle on a quick pass, only for Buffalo linebacker Terrel Bernard to step in and get an interception.
—Ben Morse, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2025
Also, the Colts’ completion rate from Week 2 when targeting the Broncos’ starting linebackers on pass plays (6-of-6).
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for linebacker
Cite this Entry
“Linebacker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/linebacker. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.
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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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