Advertisement

Advertisement

backfield

[ bak-feeld ]

noun

, Football.
  1. (used with a plural verb) the members of the team who, on offense, are stationed behind the linemen and, on defense, behind the linebackers.
  2. their positions considered as a unit.
  3. the area where the backs play.


backfield

/ ˈbækˌfiːld /

noun

  1. the backfield
    the backfield sometimes functioning as plural the quarterback and running backs in a team
  2. the area behind the line of scrimmage from which the backfield begin each play


Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of backfield1

An Americanism dating back to 1910–15; back 1 + field

Discover More

Example Sentences

A hulking defender breaks into the backfield and takes him down with a vicious clothesline tackle.

After a dozen plays Brimfield had gained half the distance to the Red's goal without having put her new backfield to the test.

A plunge at the center, with the whole Banning backfield behind the quarter, who carried, yielded most of two yards.

With McNutt in there, thats a mighty pretty backfield, and Kenlys going to know it three weeks from tomorrow!

Years ago, a winter came on to stay before the corn was all in—a patch of corn on a remote backfield of Jack Miner's farm.

Tim Otis had a remarkably good day and was undeniably the best man in the backfield for the home team.

Advertisement

Word of the Day

gallimaufry

[gal-uh-maw-free ]

Meaning and examples

Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


backfallbackfile