halfback

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half·back

(hăf′băk′, häf′-)

n. Abbr. HB

1. Football One of the running backs positioned to the sides behind the quarterback when the ball is snapped.

2. Sports One of several players stationed behind the forward line, as in soccer or Rugby.

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

halfback

(ˈhɑːfˌbæk)

1. (Soccer) rugby either the scrum half or the stand-off half

2. (Rugby) rugby either the scrum half or the stand-off half

3. (Soccer) soccer old-fashioned any of three players positioned behind the line of forwards and in front of the fullbacks

4. (Soccer) any of certain similar players in other team sports

5. (Rugby) any of certain similar players in other team sports

6. (Soccer) the position of a player who is halfback

7. (Rugby) the position of a player who is halfback

Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014

half•back

(ˈhæfˌbæk, ˈhɑf-)

n.

1. Football.

a. one of two backs who typically line up on each side of the fullback.

b. the position played by such a back.

2. (in soccer, Rugby, field hockey, etc.) a player stationed near the forward line to carry out chiefly offensive duties.

[1880–85]

ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:

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Noun	1.	halfback - (football) the running back who plays the offensive halfback position football, football game - any of various games played with a ball (round or oval) in which two teams try to kick or carry or propel the ball into each other's goal running back - (football) a back on the offensive team (a fullback or halfback) who tries to advance the ball by carrying it on plays from the line of scrimmage
	2.	halfback - (American football) the position of a back on a football team back - (American football) the position of a player on a football team who is stationed behind the line of scrimmage football team, eleven - a team that plays football

Translations

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halfback

[ˈhɑːfbæk] N (Ftbl) → medio/a m/f

Collins Spanish Dictionary - Complete and Unabridged 8th Edition 2005 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1971, 1988 © HarperCollins Publishers 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2003, 2005

References in classic literature ?

It was in vain that the Houndsditch backs and halfbacks skimmed like swallows about the field.

View in context

Young halfback Harry Smith could be in the frame to make his Wigan debut over the next few days, Adrian Lam has revealed.

Is Harry Smith set for his Wigan Warriors debut?

Gloucester Rugby's Heinz is named at halfback and Bath's McConnochie is set to start on the right wing.

Joe gets a launchpad for World Cup place

The Australian halfback has been heavily linked with a move to Betfred Super League champions Wigan - who he rejected in the off-season - and is also thought to be courting interest from Leeds Rhinos as well as clubs in the NRL.

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Tyrone's Conor McKenna endured a frustrating game for 16 disposals and two marks on the halfback flank.

TUOHY & O'CONNOR LEAD WAY

In his Sky Sports Six Nations column, former England and Lions No.10 Barnes admitted he expects to see Wales stick with the halfback pairing that finished the job at the Stade de France, when they go to Rome on Saturday.

Barnes' advice for Gatland

Jim, who played 249 times for United from 1962 to 1969, was member of the memorable halfback line with Stan Anderson and John McGrath under Joe Harvey and he helped return the team to the First Division as 1964/65 Division Two champions.

Tributes as Toon legend Iley dies at 82

Senior halfback Jackson Yates finished with 157 yards on 16 carries to pace the ground attack.

Tigers host Breese Central tonight in regular season finale

I don't think he's a natural halfback, he's a very good halfback but I think fullback is his best position.

Roberts to take on new role for Tigers

Hodkinson's availability raises the prospect of an all-NRL halfback combination with St George Illawarra's Halifax-born stand-off Gareth Widdop.

Hodkinson's England swap

Beckett (halfback, 1913-16), Hugo Bezdek (coach, 1906, 1913-17), John Kitzmiller (halfback, 1928-30), Norm Van Brocklin (quarterback, 1947-48), Len Casanova (coach, 1951-66), Mel Renfro (running back, 1961-63) and Bobby Moore (running back/wide receiver, 1969-71).

Bellotti makes Hall ballot

"We're playing well but we want to keep together and get better,'' halfback Betancourt said.