running back

NOUN

football position

Synonyms

STRONGEST

fullback halfback tailback

WEAK

blocking back flanker back offensive back plunging back slotback wingback

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

I believe this because I worked alongside them during an earlier Mueller-led investigation into the National Football League’s handling of a domestic abuse case involving running back Ray Rice.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

“Beast Mode” started as a phrase people used to describe the running style of former NFL running back Marshawn Lynch.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 2026

A star running back, Reggie was banned from football 20 years earlier after he mixed up two phone numbers and called into a sports show thinking he was talking to his bookie.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 23, 2026

"It was insane, all the 12s that came out. It was cool to see," said Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker, the Super Bowl Most Valuable Player.

From Barron's • Feb. 11, 2026

This time she waved quickly before running back inside.

From "The Night Diary" by Veera Hiranandani