fullback

noun

full·​back ˈfu̇l-ˌbak How to pronounce fullback (audio)
1
: an offensive football back used primarily for line plunges and blocking
2
: a primarily defensive player usually stationed nearest the defended goal (as in soccer or field hockey)

Examples of fullback 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.
The Cowboys will carry six receivers instead of four running backs/fullbacks, as Brown will join George Pickens, CeeDee Lamb, Ryan Flournoy, KaVontae Turpin and Jonathan Mingo. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Aug. 2026 Loosehead Boris Wenger and backrow Joaquin Moro were industrious and both scored tries while fullback Geronimo Piscatelli was a constant attacking threat, scoring one try and missing two others. — ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026 Jacobs joined fullback Jim Taylor (1961-62) as the only players in Packer history to record 13-plus rushing touchdowns in back-to-back seasons. — Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 First, which of their two fullbacks would have the best chance to make the 53-man roster. — Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fullback

Word History

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of fullback was in 1875

Rhymes for fullback

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Browse Nearby Words

full automatic
fullback
full bath
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Cite this Entry

“Fullback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fullback. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

fullback

noun
full·​back ˈfu̇l-ˌbak How to pronounce fullback (audio)
1
: a football back who usually lines up between the halfbacks
2
: a mainly defensive player (as in soccer or field hockey) who usually plays near the goal to be defended
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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