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Definition of halfback

halfback

/ˈhæfˌbæk/
half · back
Plural:halfbacks
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halfback Lexical Profile

halfback Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

North American In American and Canadian football, an offensive running back who lines up behind the quarterback and primarily carries the ball on rushing plays or catches short passes.

Example

"The halfback broke through the defensive line and sprinted forty yards for a touchdown."

2

In rugby, a player who operates directly behind the forwards, such as the scrum-half or fly-half, serving as the primary link between the forwards and the three-quarters.

Example

"The scrum-half and fly-half worked together as a cohesive halfback pairing throughout the tournament."

3

In soccer, field hockey, and related team sports, a player positioned in the midfield between the forwards and the fullbacks (now usually called a midfielder).

Example

"In classic soccer formations, the center halfback played a crucial role in both disrupting attacks and distributing the ball."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for halfback

• Nearby Words

half
half dome
half-moon
halfback
halfbeak
halfhearted
halfheartedly

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Halfback. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/halfback
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