The term “backfield” is often used in sports, particularly football, to describe a specific area of the field. However, the term also has broader definitions and meanings outside of sports. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of backfield, its origins, and its associations.
Definitions
The term backfield is most commonly used in football to refer to the area behind the line of scrimmage where the quarterback and running backs line up. It is also used to describe the group of players who play in this area. In a broader sense, backfield can refer to any area behind a line or boundary, such as the backfield of a farm or the backfield of a theater stage.
Origin
The term backfield comes from the combination of “back” and “field.” The word “back” refers to the position of the players who line up behind the line of scrimmage, while “field” refers to the playing surface. The term has been used in football since at least the early 1900s.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of backfield can vary slightly depending on the dictionary. According to Merriam-Webster, backfield is “the area behind the line of scrimmage in football where the quarterback and running backs line up.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines backfield as “the area behind the line of scrimmage in American football where the quarterback and running backs line up, or the players who play in this area.”
Associations
In addition to its association with football, backfield can also be associated with agriculture. The backfield of a farm refers to the area behind the main fields where crops are grown. In theater, the backfield refers to the area behind the main stage where scenery and props are stored.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for backfield include backcourt, backline, and back row. These terms are often used in sports and theater to describe the area behind a line or boundary.
Antonyms
The antonyms of backfield would be the opposite of the area behind a line or boundary. For example, in football, the antonym of backfield would be the area in front of the line of scrimmage.
The same root words
The root words of backfield are “back” and “field.” Other words that share the same root words include backyard, backcourt, backcountry, and outfield.
Example Sentences
- The quarterback and running backs lined up in the backfield before the snap.
- The farmer planted crops in the backfield behind his main fields.
- The stage crew stored the props in the backfield behind the main stage.
- The basketball player dribbled the ball up the court and passed it to a teammate in the backcourt.
- The orchestra sat in the back row of the theater’s backline.