Word
linebacker
Phoneticsline·backer
US/ˈɫaɪnˌbækɝ/
UK/lˈaɪnbækɐ/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a defensive player in American football who stands just behind the front line. Their job is to stop runners or tackle the quarterback.
n. a defensive player positioned immediately behind the line of scrimmage. Primary responsibilities include defending against the run, covering short passes, and rushing the quarterback.
Examples
“The linebacker tackled the runner before he could score.”
“The team's star linebacker is known for his ability to read the offense and stop plays before they develop.”
“A versatile linebacker must possess both the physical strength to shed blocks from offensive linemen and the lateral speed required to shadow agile tight ends across the middle of the field.”
Examples
simple
“The linebacker tackled the runner before he could score.”
contextual
“The team's star linebacker is known for his ability to read the offense and stop plays before they develop.”
complex
“A versatile linebacker must possess both the physical strength to shed blocks from offensive linemen and the lateral speed required to shadow agile tight ends across the middle of the field.”
Usage
Commonly used in the context of American or Canadian football.
Etymology
From line + backer.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/linebacker