Langimage
English

quarterback

|quar-ter-back|

B2

🇺🇸

/ˈkwɔːrtərˌbæk/

🇬🇧

/ˈkwɔːtəˌbæk/

leadership in strategy

Etymology
Etymology Information

'quarterback' originates from American English, combining 'quarter' and 'back' to describe the player's position on the field.

Historical Evolution

'quarterback' was first used in the late 19th century to describe a position in American football.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it referred specifically to a football position, but it has evolved to describe leadership roles in various contexts.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a player positioned behind the center who directs the team's offensive play.

The quarterback threw a perfect pass to the wide receiver.

Synonyms

Verb 1

to lead or direct a team or project, similar to the role of a quarterback in football.

She quarterbacked the project to success.

Synonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45