Quarterback

usgb/ˈkwɔːrtərbæk/
noun

In American football, a quarterback is a player who passes the ball and leads the offensive plays.

The quarterback threw the ball to the receiver.
Visual representation of "quarterback" - In American football, a quarterback is a player who passes the ball and leads the offensive plays.

Often appears as...

  • star quarterback
  • rookie quarterback
Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "quarterback"
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Sports Metaphor

Quarterback is often used metaphorically to mean someone is taking a leading role, similar to the position in football.

Illustration for Sports Metaphor
Sarah will quarterback our sales campaign.
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Cultural Icon

The quarterback in American culture symbolizes leadership and often features in movies and TV as a central character.

Illustration for Cultural Icon
The show's main character is the quarterback of his high school team.
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Common Misuse

Don't confuse 'quarterback' with 'quarter', which refers to 1/4 of something.

Illustration for Common Misuse
He didn't play in the fourth quarter, not even as quarterback.
Visual representation of the word "Quarterback"

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