1 runback | Definition of runback

runback

noun
run·​back | \ ˈrÉ™n-ËŒbak How to pronounce runback (audio) \

Definition of runback

: a run made in football after catching an opponent's kick or intercepting a pass

Examples of runback in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

His 23 returns with the Bears went for 414 yards, an average of 18 yards per runback. Will Larkin, chicagotribune.com, "Ranking the 100 best Bears players ever: No. 43, Rosey Taylor," 25 July 2019 Pretty simple shots for the most part, other than his runback in [the fifth end]. Chuck Culpepper, Anchorage Daily News, "U.S. men’s curling hits new heights with upset of Canada," 22 Feb. 2018 Punter Michael Palardy had only a 34.3-yard net, which was hurt by Marcus Sherels’ 29-yard runback. Joseph Person, charlotteobserver, "Carolina Panthers report card: Victory over Vikings puts everyone on honor role | Charlotte Observer," 10 Dec. 2017 Behind Saquon Barkley, the Nittany Lions’ kickoff return unit is No. 1 in FBS at 30.9 yards per runback. Joe Juliano, Philly.com, "Penn State wants to show it can play defense, too," 19 Oct. 2017 Glendale responded with a 55-yard kickoff runback by Meza, turning it into points as Michael Selsor booted a 20-yard field goal that tied the score, 10-10, at the end of the third quarter. Matt Szabo, Daily Pilot, "Golden West football edges Glendale in season opener," 2 Sep. 2017 His versatility vexes opposing coaches who every week struggle with how to set up a runback and guard against a fake. Ben Shpigel, New York Times, "The N.F.L.’s Most Valuable Player Might Be ... a Punter?," 2 Nov. 2017 Cooper ran 103 yards up the right side to start the game in Jacksonville, and stunningly pirouetted 360 degrees out of a tackle early in the runback. Peter King, SI.com, "The Award Section: Jordan Howard, Janoris Jenkins Play Pivotal Roles in Big Week 6 Wins," 16 Oct. 2017 But a personal foul, one of 14 Ocean View penalties on the night, negated Washington’s sizable runback. Matt Szabo, Daily Pilot, "Ocean View rallies for big road win over University," 28 Sep. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'runback.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

See More

First Known Use of runback

1905, in the meaning defined above

Keep scrolling for more

More from Merriam-Webster on runback

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with runback