quarterback

1 of 2

noun

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

quarterback

2 of 2

verb

quarterbacked; quarterbacking; quarterbacks

transitive verb

1

: to direct the offensive play of

quarterback a football team

2

: to give executive direction to : boss

quarterbacked the original buying syndicate

—Time

intransitive verb

: to play quarterback

Synonyms

Verb

• boss
• captain
• handle
• head
• overlook
• oversee
• superintend
• supervise

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

Noun

The position flourishes when an offensive lineman does his job, and that has led to NFL quarterbacks giving their offensive linemen gifts like Rolex watches, and more. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025

No, Hurts won’t likely have the long-term relationship other quarterbacks have with their play-callers — like Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid. —Brooks Kubena, The Athletic, 14 Feb. 2025

Verb

Makar is also going to quarterback one of the greatest collections of talent put together on a power play in the history of the sport. —Corey Masisak, The Denver Post, 10 Feb. 2025

Injuries to quarterback Tua Tagovailoa contributed to Hill’s lack of production. —Chantz Martin, Fox News, 9 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1879, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1892, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing quarterback

• Monday-morning quarterback
• quarterback sneak

Kids Definition

quarterback

noun

quar·​ter·​back

ˈkwȯ(r)t-ər-ˌbak

: an offensive football back who calls the signals and directs the offensive play of the team

quarterback verb