noun
Common
quarterback
KWAW-tuhbak
Quarterback (noun) means In American football, the player who leads the offense and typically throws or hands off the ball at the start of each play. Example: “The quarterback threw a perfect pass for the touchdown.”
noun
1
In American football, the player who leads the offense and typically throws or hands off the ball at the start of each play.
"The quarterback threw a perfect pass for the touchdown."
"He's been the starting quarterback since his sophomore year."
"The crowd cheered as the quarterback ran forward and threw the ball downfield."
verb
1
To lead or direct a team or project.
"She quarterbacked the entire product launch."
"He was brought in to quarterback the merger negotiations."
"Maria will quarterback the school fundraiser, organising volunteers and keeping everyone on schedule."
How to use quarterback
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe player who calls and runs the plays in football; more loosely, anyone directing a team effort.
Common pairings
starting quarterback
backup quarterback
quarterback a project
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Word forms
- Plural
- quarterbacks
- Third person singular
- quarterbacks
- Past tense
- quarterbacked
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ threw a perfect pass for the touchdown.
Etymology
From quarter + back, naming the position's spot on the field just behind the line.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for quarterback
See all rhymes for 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.
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