running back

NOUN

football position

Synonyms

STRONGEST

fullback halfback tailback

WEAK

blocking back flanker back offensive back plunging back slotback wingback

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Rising rates could send investors running back to the safety of Big Tech.

From MarketWatch • May 16, 2026

Yet the next two picks were both offensive players, with the Arizona Cardinals selecting running back Jeremiyah Love before the Tennessee Titans sprang a surprise by taking wide receiver Carnell Tate.

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026

Running back Wayne Knight followed Chesney from James Madison and adds to an already gritty running back group that could become one of the team’s deepest units.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

I believe this because I worked alongside them during an earlier Mueller-led investigation into the National Football League’s handling of a domestic abuse case involving running back Ray Rice.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

He and Tess were tossing the squeaky toy back and forth, just out of Samantha’s reach, and she was running back and forth frantically.

From "As Brave As You" by Jason Reynolds