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
Rolder, a linebacker who had a breakout season last fall at Michigan, was chosen Saturday by the Lions in the fourth round with the 118th overall pick.
—Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
But like with any linebacker, Kuwatch wants to get on the field and compete on defense.
—Mike Kaye
april 29, Charlotte Observer, 29 Apr. 2026
In limited snaps, Moore showed potential at off-ball linebacker, but questions persist about his pursuit speed and ability to cover in the NFL.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 28 Apr. 2026
The Dolphins have voices like linebacker Jordyn Brooks, defensive tackle Zach Sieler, center Aaron Brewer and left tackle Patrick Paul as the youth comes into its own.
—David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for linebacker
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
But like with any linebacker, Kuwatch wants to get on the field and compete on defense.
—Mike Kaye
april 29, Charlotte Observer, 29 Apr. 2026
In limited snaps, Moore showed potential at off-ball linebacker, but questions persist about his pursuit speed and ability to cover in the NFL.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 28 Apr. 2026
The Dolphins have voices like linebacker Jordyn Brooks, defensive tackle Zach Sieler, center Aaron Brewer and left tackle Patrick Paul as the youth comes into its own.
—David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for linebacker
Cite this Entry
“Linebacker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/linebacker. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
