- the backfield ⇒ (sometimes functioning as plural)
the quarterback and running backs in a team the area behind the line of scrimmage from which the backfield begin each play
WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026
back•field /ˈbækˌfild/USA pronunciation
n. [countable]
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026- Sportthe members of a football team stationed behind the linemen or the linebackers.
- Sportthe area in which the backfield plays.
back•field
(bak′fēld′),USA pronunciation n. [Football.]
- Sport(used with a pl. v.) the members of the team who, on offense, are stationed behind the linemen and, on defense, behind the linebackers.
- Sporttheir positions considered as a unit.
- Sportthe area where the backs play.
- back1 + field 1910–15, American.
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