Meaning & use
quarterback
Last updated
Meanings
nouncountablesport
In American football, the player who leads the offense and usually throws or hands off the ball.
Grammar: Countable; used with 'a' or in the plural.
Patterns
- a quarterback
- the quarterback
The quarterback threw a long pass down the field.
He was the team's starting quarterback for three seasons.
The quarterback called an audible at the line of scrimmage.
verbtransitiveinformal
To direct or lead a team or complex effort, especially from a central role.
Grammar: Takes an object: quarterback a project.
Patterns
- quarterback something
- quarterback a project
- quarterback an effort
She quarterbacked the merger negotiations.
He was chosen to quarterback the new product launch.
Word forms
| plural | quarterbacks |
|---|---|
| third person singular | quarterbacks |
| past tense | quarterbacked |
| past participle | quarterbacked |
| -ing form | quarterbacking |
Common combinations
- starting quarterback
- The rookie became the starting quarterback.
- backup quarterback
- The backup quarterback came in after the injury.
- quarterback a project
- She was asked to quarterback the new initiative.
- quarterback sneak
- The team ran a quarterback sneak on fourth down.
Synonyms and how they differ
- signal caller
- Another term for a quarterback, focusing on the role of calling plays; less common in everyday use.
- lead
- A general verb meaning to guide or direct; 'quarterback' is more specific and informal, often implying a central coordinating role.
Word family
- quarterbacking noun
- The act of playing quarterback or leading an effort.
Commonly confused: quarterback or running back?
quarterback vs running back
A running back is another offensive player who mainly carries the ball; the quarterback leads the offense and usually throws.
Practice
The team's success depends on how well the ______ can read the defense.
Choose one answer.
The singular noun 'quarterback' is needed after 'the'. 'Quarterbacks' is plural and would require a plural verb, while the other forms are verb forms that do not fit the grammar of the sentence.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “quarterback”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.