Definition

A player in football or other sports who is positioned behind the line of scrimmage or forward line, often responsible for running with the ball or passing it.

Example

The halfback made a great run down the field, helping the team score a touchdown.

Conversation

Did you see that last game?

Yeah, the halfback made some incredible plays!

I didn't expect him to be so quick on his feet.

Right? He really knows how to handle the ball.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Halfback → The word is formed from "half" (from Old English "healf", meaning part of a whole) and "back" (from Old English "bæc", meaning the rear or back part). The term "halfback" refers to a player in football who plays a position that is neither a fullback nor a quarterback, typically positioned in the middle of the backfield.

Memory Tip

Think of 'half' meaning part of a whole and 'back' referring to the rear position — a halfback is a player positioned in the middle of the backfield.

Visually Confused Words