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
Injury update Fourth-round rookie linebacker Kendal Daniels watched Tuesday’s workout wearing a boot on his right foot, adding his name to the list of injuries to watch this offseason.
—Josh Kendall, New York Times, 21 May 2026
The defense still has a pair of franchise icons in defensive lineman Cam Heyward and outside linebacker TJ Watt.
—CBS News, 20 May 2026
Heading into his fourth season in the NFL, Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarvion Overshown is simply grateful to just take part in offseason activities in 2026.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 May 2026
The Miami Dolphins run game coordinator couldn’t quite understand why the star linebacker wouldn’t be here as if the latter wasn’t in the midst of a contract dispute.
—Miami Herald, 19 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for linebacker
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.
Josh Kendall, New York Times, 21 May 2026
The defense still has a pair of franchise icons in defensive lineman Cam Heyward and outside linebacker TJ Watt.
—CBS News, 20 May 2026
Heading into his fourth season in the NFL, Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarvion Overshown is simply grateful to just take part in offseason activities in 2026.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 May 2026
The Miami Dolphins run game coordinator couldn’t quite understand why the star linebacker wouldn’t be here as if the latter wasn’t in the midst of a contract dispute.
—Miami Herald, 19 May 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 22 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
