cornerback
Noun 1. A defensive football player positioned on the outer edges of the defensive formation, primarily responsible for covering wide receivers: In American and Canadian football, a cornerback is a defensive back whose primary role is to defend against the opposing team's passing game by covering (guarding) wide receivers, preventing them from catching the ball. They are typically positioned at the corners of the defensive secondary, outside the linebackers.
The term "cornerback" is used to specify a player's position and role on a football team. It is a countable noun. * The team needs to draft a fast cornerback to improve its pass defense. * He is one of the best cornerbacks in the league. * The coach moved the safety to play cornerback for this game.
- The cornerback intercepted the quarterback's pass and ran it back for a touchdown.
- A good cornerback must have excellent speed, agility, and awareness.
- The wide receiver beat the cornerback with a quick move off the line of scrimmage.
- "To play cornerback": To have the role or position of a cornerback.
- He has played cornerback for the Patriots for five seasons.
- "Shutdown cornerback": A term for an elite cornerback who consistently prevents the wide receiver he is covering from making catches.
- The team's shutdown cornerback held the star receiver to just two catches.
- Corner (n.): A common abbreviated form of "cornerback" used informally by players, coaches, and commentators.
- That rookie corner is having a great season.
- Defensive back (n.): The general category of defensive positions that includes cornerbacks and safeties.
- Nickelback (n.): A fifth defensive back (often an extra cornerback) used in certain defensive formations, named for the nickel (5-cent) coin.
- Safety (n.): Another type of defensive back who typically plays deeper in the secondary than a cornerback, providing the last line of defense.
- Defensive back: (a broader category that includes cornerbacks and safeties)
- Cover corner: (emphasizes the pass-coverage role)
- DB: (common written abbreviation for 'defensive back')
(Note: "Cornerback" is a specific positional noun. It does not commonly form phrasal verbs. Actions are described with separate verbs.) * To cover (a receiver): The primary action of a cornerback. * The cornerback was assigned to cover the team's fastest receiver. * To line up at cornerback: To take a starting position as a cornerback. * The veteran will line up at cornerback for the opening play.
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a defensive football player stationed outside the linebackers
