English Explanatory Dictionary

quarterback

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. An offensive back whose primary job is to pass the ball in a play.
  2. An offensive back who receives the snap (hike) and then blocks the defense from crossing the line of scrimmage; a blocking back.
  3. A position just behind the forwards, or one who plays this position.
verb
  1. To play the position of quarterback.
  2. To lead a team or group; to be primarily responsible for some group project or activity.

Pronunciation

/ˈkwɔːtəbak/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Wodencafe-quarterback.wav

Word forms

quarterback quarterbacks quarterbacking quarterbacked

Etymology

From quarter + back, in reference to the position in front of the halfback position.

Related words

cornerback dimeback linebacker nickelback

Derived words

armchair quarterback dimeback Monday-morning quarterback Monday morning quarterback nickelback

Translations

Catalan: rerequart Finnish: pelinrakentaja French: quart-arrière French: quarterback Georgian: კვოტერბეკი German: Quarterback Japanese: クォーターバック Marathi: क्वार्टरबॅक Russian: квотербек
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