1
: the offensive football back farthest from the line of scrimmage
2
British
: a line of vehicles caused by a traffic slowdown or stoppage
Examples of tailback in a Sentence
stuck in a five-mile tailback on the southbound carriageway
Recent Examples on the Web
Much like Wright’s selection, the Dolphins didn’t need tailback help when Miami drafted De’Von Achane in the third round of the 2023 NFL draft.
—
Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 2 May 2024
In the fall of 1967, the new USC tailback — a transfer from San Francisco City College — wasn’t quite a star yet.
—David Wharton, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for tailback 
Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 2 May 2024
In the fall of 1967, the new USC tailback — a transfer from San Francisco City College — wasn’t quite a star yet.
—David Wharton, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for tailback
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'tailback.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near tailback
Cite this Entry
“Tailback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tailback. Accessed 6 May. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share