English · Word Candidate

quarterback

/ˈkwɔːtəbak/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: quarterbacks · quarterbacking · quarterbacked

Sense 1

Meaning · English

An offensive back whose primary job is to pass the ball in a play.

Noun

Examples

Standing 6-foot-6, 237 pounds, Herbert’s size and arm strength are consistent with a prototypical N.F.L. quarterback, and he led the Ducks to a Pac-12 championship and a victory at the Rose Bowl in January with not much talent at receiver.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

An offensive back who receives the snap (hike) and then blocks the defense from crossing the line of scrimmage; a blocking back.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To play the position of quarterback.

Verb

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

To lead a team or group; to be primarily responsible for some group project or activity.

Verb

Examples

Wayman's major responsibility is to quarterback the team, coordinating business development, project scheduling and management and quality control.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “quarterback” mean?

An offensive back whose primary job is to pass the ball in a play.

Is “quarterback” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.