quarterback
quarterback Lexical Profile
quarterback Game Scores & Validity
• noun
North American An offensive player in American or Canadian football who lines up directly behind the center, calls the plays, receives the snap, and directs the team's offense by passing or handing off the ball.
"The rookie quarterback threw three touchdown passes in the final quarter to secure the championship victory."
North American A person who directs, coordinates, or leads an organization, campaign, or complex undertaking.
"She served as the chief quarterback for the bipartisan legislative effort from its inception."
• verb
North American To play the position of quarterback for an American or Canadian football team.
"He quarterbacked the varsity squad for three consecutive seasons before graduating."
North American To lead, direct, or coordinate a project, strategy, or complex operation.
"The senior partner was asked to quarterback the corporate merger across all international offices."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in the late 19th century as a compound of "quarter" and "back," originally referring to a player positioned roughly one-quarter of the distance behind the offensive line in early Scottish rugby and American football.