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.

Running back Wayne Knight followed Chesney from James Madison and adds to an already gritty running back group that could become one of the team’s deepest units.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

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

He's got no excuse not to run back if Beckham is running back and doing that and he's the captain.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2026

That happened last week to 210-pound junior running back AJ McBean of Mira Costa.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 4, 2026

I came back to the apartment after a full day of running back and forth in the markets, and the best I’d been able to get for our money was kasha.

From "The Light in Hidden Places" by Sharon Cameron