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
Recent Examples on the Web
Among tight ends and linebackers, Elijah Arroyo hit a top speed of 19.23 miles per hour, the fifth-fastest mark at their positions.
—C. Isaiah Smalls Ii, Miami Herald, 29 Jan. 2025
Johnson cited cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon and linebackers Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards as strong pieces for the Bears in his introductory news conference.
—Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 28 Jan. 2025
If that’s not enough, Oren Burks, a 49ers reserve linebacker and core special teams player, signed with Philadelphia and had the game of his life against the Commanders with nine tackles, a sack and a forced fumble.
—Jerry McDonald, The Mercury News, 27 Jan. 2025
The Cowboys requested to interview Dolphins outside linebackers coach Ryan Crow for their defensive coordinator opening, according to ESPN.
—David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 27 Jan. 2025
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C. Isaiah Smalls Ii, Miami Herald, 29 Jan. 2025
Johnson cited cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon and linebackers Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards as strong pieces for the Bears in his introductory news conference.
—Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 28 Jan. 2025
If that’s not enough, Oren Burks, a 49ers reserve linebacker and core special teams player, signed with Philadelphia and had the game of his life against the Commanders with nine tackles, a sack and a forced fumble.
—Jerry McDonald, The Mercury News, 27 Jan. 2025
The Cowboys requested to interview Dolphins outside linebackers coach Ryan Crow for their defensive coordinator opening, according to ESPN.
—David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 27 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for linebacker
Dictionary Entries Near linebacker
Cite this Entry
“Linebacker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/linebacker. Accessed 7 Feb. 2025.
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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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