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
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On the front seven, Denver has developed enviable depth at outside linebacker.
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 15 Feb. 2026
Jerry Jones did make moves to upgrade the interior of the defensive line, but the Cowboys still badly need impactful pass rushers and reinforcements at linebacker and cornerback.
—Mike Jones, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2026
The Eagles unit graduates senior linebackers Dash Fifita (Arizona), Leki Holani (Sacramento State), Ivrick Carrigan (Black Hills State) and Vai Manutai.
—Dan Albano, Oc Register, 11 Feb. 2026
The Gophers football program is expected to hire Kansas State’s linebacker coach Steve Stanard as the U’s next rush ends coach, a source confirmed to Pioneer Press on Wednesday.
—Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 11 Feb. 2026
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Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 15 Feb. 2026
Jerry Jones did make moves to upgrade the interior of the defensive line, but the Cowboys still badly need impactful pass rushers and reinforcements at linebacker and cornerback.
—Mike Jones, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2026
The Eagles unit graduates senior linebackers Dash Fifita (Arizona), Leki Holani (Sacramento State), Ivrick Carrigan (Black Hills State) and Vai Manutai.
—Dan Albano, Oc Register, 11 Feb. 2026
The Gophers football program is expected to hire Kansas State’s linebacker coach Steve Stanard as the U’s next rush ends coach, a source confirmed to Pioneer Press on Wednesday.
—Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 11 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 16 Feb. 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
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