backfield

noun

back·​field ˈbak-ˌfēld How to pronounce backfield (audio)
: the football players whose positions are behind the line of scrimmage
also : the positions themselves

Examples of backfield in a Sentence

a tackle made in the backfield The team has a strong backfield.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Rookie Keyron Crawford also left practice on Thursday after colliding with Malcolm Koonce in the backfield while rushing the passer. — Sam Warren, New York Times, 7 Aug. 2026 The rookie is part of a crowded backfield that also includes James Conner, Trey Benson and free agent signing Tyler Allgeier. — John Cassillo, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026 Showing effort in pass protection and an ability to catch the ball out of the backfield would be beneficial. — Aaron Heisen, Daily News, 5 Aug. 2026 To Jones’ point, Uwazurike single-handedly blew up one run-sweep to Harvey in a 9-on-7 period, arriving in the backfield the near second Harvey even touched the ball. — Luca Evans, Denver Post, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for backfield

Word History

First Known Use

1897, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of backfield was in 1897

Rhymes for backfield

See All Rhymes for backfield

Browse Nearby Words

back-fence
backfield
back file
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Backfield.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backfield. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

backfield

noun
back·​field -ˌfēld How to pronounce backfield (audio)
: the football players who line up behind the line of scrimmage
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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