halfback

noun

half·​back ˈhaf-ˌbak How to pronounce halfback (audio)
ˈhäf-
1
: one of the backs stationed near either flank in football
2
: a player stationed immediately behind the forward line (as in field hockey, soccer, or rugby)

Examples of halfback in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web As far back as 1948, though, the Lions signed halfback Mel Groomes from Indiana University and Bob Mann, an end on Michigan’s undefeated team from 1947 who would become a noted Detroit attorney. Neal Rubin, Detroit Free Press, 26 Jan. 2024 Obviously, the 9-8 record isn't great, but the Bucs have won five of their last six heading into the playoffs and boast a solid passing attack with Mayfield, Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and halfback Rachaad White. Jon Hoefling, USA TODAY, 9 Jan. 2024 Pittsburgh had 155 yards on 39 carries and the Ravens had trouble containing halfback Najee Harris, who finished with 112 yards on 26 attempts. Mike Preston, Baltimore Sun, 7 Jan. 2024 Threw a halfback pass for a TD in fourth quarter to beat Aragon, a win Cap needed to share league title. Joseph Dycus, The Mercury News, 3 Jan. 2024 Tomlinson also becomes the first halfback in NFL history to catch 100 passes. Iliana Limón Romero, Los Angeles Times, 28 Dec. 2023 And some players that were expected to ride the bench due to injury (like 49ers halfback Christian McCaffrey) played the full game. Chris Morris, Fortune, 30 Oct. 2023 The Eagles hit Mission Viejo with a 45-yard halfback pass from Jackson to Josh Zander on the game’s first play. John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Dec. 2023 Imagine a football player who excels at being an offensive lineman and a halfback, both. Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 29 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'halfback.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1882, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of halfback was in 1882

Dictionary Entries Near halfback

Cite this Entry

“Halfback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/halfback. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

halfback

noun
half·​back ˈhaf-ˌbak How to pronounce halfback (audio)
ˈhȧf-
1
: a football back who lines up toward the right or left side of the formation
2
: a player positioned behind the forward line in some games (as soccer or field hockey)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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