# quarterback

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈkwɔːtəbak/ · frequency rank #7,728

## Definitions
1. An offensive back whose primary job is to pass the ball in a play.
2. An offensive back who receives the snap (hike) and then blocks the defense from crossing the line of scrimmage; a blocking back.
3. A position just behind the forwards, or one who plays this position.

## Etymology
From quarter + back, in reference to the position in front of the halfback position.

## Common misspellings (17)
`qaurterback`, `qquarterback`, `quaretrback`, `quarrterback`, `quartebrack`, `quarterabck`, `quarterbacck`, `quarterbackk`, `quarterbakc`, `quarterbback`, `quarterbcak`, `quarterrback`, `quartreback`, `quartterback`, `quatrerback`, `quraterback`, `uqarterback`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/quarterback