quar·ter·back
ˈkwȯ(r)-tər-ˌbak 
1
: an offensive back in football who usually lines up behind the center, calls the signals, and directs the offensive play of the team
2
: one who directs and leads
quarterbacked; quarterbacking; quarterbacks
1
: to direct the offensive play of
quarterback a football team
2
: to give executive direction to : boss
… quarterbacked the original buying syndicate.—
Time
Time
: to play quarterback
Examples of quarterback in a Sentence
Verb
He quarterbacked his high school team.
She quarterbacked the company's latest ad campaign.
Recent Examples on the Web
Miami Herald, 13 Feb. 2026
The signing of transfer quarterback Barnett gave the Knights a legitimate starter for the 2026 season and a crucial piece to rebuild the quarterbacks room.
—Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
David Eckert, Austin American Statesman, 7 Feb. 2026
Video of the shot went viral and quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ reaction initially had fans believing Kelce was definitely returning to the Chiefs.
—Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for quarterback
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Noun
Sullivan wouldn’t get into specifics yet shared that the Dolphins will evaluate some quarterbacks in the upcoming NFL Draft.
—Miami Herald, 13 Feb. 2026
The signing of transfer quarterback Barnett gave the Knights a legitimate starter for the 2026 season and a crucial piece to rebuild the quarterbacks room.
—Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
Verb
Knutson quarterbacked Smithson Valley to a state championship in 2025, completing 12 of his 21 passing attempts for 160 yards and a touchdown in the title game victory over Frisco Lone Star.
—David Eckert, Austin American Statesman, 7 Feb. 2026
Video of the shot went viral and quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ reaction initially had fans believing Kelce was definitely returning to the Chiefs.
—Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for quarterback
Cite this Entry
“Quarterback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quarterback. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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