running back

noun

: a football back (such as a halfback or fullback) who carries the ball on running plays

Examples of running back in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The defense forced three turnovers, Jason Myers kicked a Super Bowl-record five field goals, and running back Kenneth Walker III rushed for 135 yards to earn most valuable player as the Seahawks finished the season with 10 consecutive victories. Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026 Outside of running back Rico Dowdle, there’s not a ton of star power in the group. Joseph Person, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026 Following a typical recovery timeline, the veteran running back could be in line to return Week 1 next season. Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 8 Feb. 2026 Jay Berwanger, University of Chicago running back and Tribune Silver Football winner, became the first pick by the Philadelphia Eagles in the very first NFL draft at Philadelphia’s Ritz-Carlton. Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 8 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for running back

Word History

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of running back was in 1891

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Cite this Entry

“Running back.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/running%20back. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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