quarterback
6 synonyms for quarterback, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — In American football, the player who leads the offense and typically throws or hands off the ball at the start of each play.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use quarterback
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
starting quarterback
backup quarterback
quarterback a project
Etymology
From quarter + back, naming the position's spot on the field just behind the line.
Full origin of quarterback →Frequently asked questions
What does “quarterback” mean?
The word “quarterback” means in American football, the player who leads the offense and typically throws or hands off the ball at the start of each play. In plain terms, the player who calls and runs the plays in football; more loosely, anyone directing a team effort.
How do you pronounce “quarterback”?
“Quarterback” is pronounced KWAW-tuhbak (/ˈkwɔːtəbak/ in IPA).
How do you use “quarterback” in a sentence?
Here is “quarterback” used in a sentence: “The quarterback threw a perfect pass for the touchdown.”
What part of speech is “quarterback”?
Depending on how it is used, “quarterback” can be a noun and a verb.
Is “quarterback” a common word?
“Quarterback” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “quarterback” have?
“Quarterback” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in American football, the player who leads the offense and typically throws or hands off the ball at the start of each play.
What is the difference between a quarterback and a running back?
The quarterback leads the offense and usually throws or hands off the ball at the start of each play, while a running back's main job is to carry the ball on running plays. The quarterback directs the play; the running back is often the one who takes the handoff.
What is the difference between a quarterback and a coach?
A quarterback is a player on the field who leads the offense during play, while a coach directs the whole team from the sidelines and does not play. The quarterback executes and adjusts plays in the moment; the coach sets the overall strategy.
Is "quarterback" written as one word or two?
"Quarterback" is normally written as a single word, both for the football player and for the verb meaning to lead. The abbreviation "QB" is also common, especially in sports writing and statistics.
