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halfback. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
halfback, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
halfback in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
halfback you have here. The definition of the word
halfback will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
halfback, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
English
Etymology
From half + back, in reference to position on the field of play; compare fullback.
Pronunciation
Noun
halfback (plural halfbacks)
- (field sports) Any of various positions on the field of play between the forwards and the fullbacks.
- (field sports) A player who occupies one of these positions.
- (American football) An offensive back whose primary jobs are to carry the ball on running plays and to serve as a receiver or blocker on passing plays.
- (Canadian football) A defensive back whose primary jobs are to cover the slotback on passing plays and prevent running plays from going to the outside.
- (field hockey) A player in the halfback position, with both offensive and defensive roles.
- (Australian rules football) One of three players (the centre halfback and two halfback flankers) on the line between the centre line and the fullback line.
- (rugby) The player who feeds the ball into the scrum, and receives the ball as it emerges from the back of the scrum.
Derived terms
Verb
halfback (third-person singular simple present halfbacks, present participle halfbacking, simple past and past participle halfbacked)
- To play in the position of halfback.