noun
- a player in a team sport (such as ice hockey, soccer, or rugby) who plays in a defensive position near the back of the field or rink
Usage: common in ice hockey and soccer contexts; also called a defenseman or defender depending on the sport
Examples
- The backliner made a crucial interception to prevent a goal.
- In ice hockey, a skilled backliner can control the puck behind the net.
- The team's best backliner was sidelined with an injury.
- Backliners need strong positioning and communication skills.
- She developed into a reliable backliner during her college soccer career.