Definition

A player in American football who plays in the defensive backfield, usually covering wide receivers and preventing them from catching passes.

Example

The cornerback made an incredible interception during the game.

Conversation

Did you see the game last night?

Yeah, the cornerback made some amazing tackles!

I know, right? He really shut down their best receiver.

Totally! That was a game-changer for sure.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Cornerback → The word is formed from "corner" (from Old French *corniere*, meaning a place where two lines meet) and "back" (from Old English *bæc*, meaning the rear or back part). A cornerback is a player positioned at the corner of the defensive backfield in American football, responsible for defending against passes thrown to the corner of the field.

Memory Tip

Think of a player positioned at the 'corner' where two lines meet, and 'back' refers to their position in the defensive lineup. This helps you remember that a cornerback is a player who defends the corners of the field.

Visually Confused Words