# quarterback

/ˈkwɔɹtɝˌbæk/ (US) · /kwˈɔːtəbˌæk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/quarterback
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. football position

noun · CEFR B2 · American English

the player in American football who directs the team's attack and throws the ball.

For teachers: the offensive backfield player who initiates play, typically receiving the snap and either handing off, running, or passing the ball.

- The quarterback threw a long pass to the end zone in the final seconds of the game.
- After the star quarterback suffered a knee injury, the team struggled to execute their complex offensive strategy during the playoffs.

Usage: Often used as a modifier before another noun, such as 'quarterback sneak' or 'quarterback rating'.

### 2. to lead a project

verb · CEFR C1 · American English · Informal

to lead or manage a group of people or a complicated project.

For teachers: to direct, lead, or coordinate a collective effort or complex operation.

- She was chosen to quarterback the new marketing campaign because of her great organization skills.
- The senior partner was brought in specifically to quarterback the merger, ensuring that all legal and financial departments remained aligned throughout the transition.

Teaching tip: This figurative use is very common in American corporate environments to describe project management.

## Examples

- The quarterback throws a long pass to the end zone.
- After the star quarterback suffered a knee injury, the team struggled to coordinate their offensive strategy for the rest of the season.
- A successful quarterback must possess not only physical arm strength but also the mental acuity to read complex defensive formations in a matter of seconds.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.