cornerback

noun

cor·​ner·​back ˈkȯr-nər-ˌbak How to pronounce cornerback (audio)
: a defensive halfback in football who defends the flank

Examples of cornerback in a Sentence

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 cornerback Ephesians Prysock left with a first-quarter shoulder injury to end what’s been a solid training camp and preseason by the fourth-round pick. — Cam Inman, Mercury News, 28 Aug. 2026 Add in younger talent like junior lineman Wesley Catterfeld, sophomore middle linebacker Bennett Heger and sophomore cornerback Bennett Lockwood, and the Coyotes have all the pieces in place. — Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 27 Aug. 2026 At cornerback, Mansoor Delane and Nohl Williams are the starters outside, and Chris Roland-Wallace is the first choice at nickel. — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 27 Aug. 2026 Since 2020, Clemson has produced four cornerbacks drafted in the top 50. — Dane Brugler, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cornerback

Word History

First Known Use

1955, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cornerback was in 1955

Rhymes for cornerback

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Browse Nearby Words

corner
cornerback
cornerball
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Cite this Entry

“Cornerback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cornerback. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on cornerback

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cornerback

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