quarterback

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A quarterback is a player in American football who usually throws the ball to their teammates.

When you watch an American football game on TV or live, you'll see the quarterback standing behind the center of the field with the ball. They call plays, which are like instructions for what they want their team to do next. The quarterback might hand the ball off to a running back who tries to run past the other team's players, or they might throw the ball to a wide receiver who is trying to catch it and get down the field. The quarterback has to be good at reading the game and making quick decisions - sometimes in just a few seconds! They're kind of like the leader of their team, directing everyone on what to do next.

How common is "quarterback"?

Word quarterback is considered uncommon in modern English.
It appears most frequently in newspaper texts and less often in other writings.

Definitions

noun

An offensive back whose primary job is to pass the ball in a play.
An offensive back who receives the snap (hike) and then blocks the defense from crossing the line of scrimmage; a blocking back.
(rugby football) A position just behind the forwards, or one who plays this position.

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verb

To play the position of quarterback.
(by extension) To lead a team or group; to be primarily responsible for some group project or activity.

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Real examples of "quarterback" in context

Henry Cavill on His Warhammer Hobby, the Least Searched Questions About Him & Grilling on Set

Interview

You look like the quarterback or even, you know, the offensive lineman or something like

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