tailback
/ˈteɪlˌbæk/
NOUN
1. A long line of vehicles caused by traffic congestion
A queue of motor vehicles that forms when traffic is slowed or stopped, often because of an accident, roadworks, or heavy traffic.
1.1. Traffic queue or congestion
A line of vehicles waiting or moving slowly on a road because traffic cannot flow freely.
Synonyms
- traffic jam
- traffic queue
- backup
- traffic congestion
- gridlock
- logjam
- bottleneck
Antonyms
- free-flowing traffic
- clear road
Examples
- The traffic was at a standstill due to a massive tailback on the highway.
- The accident caused a long tailback of cars trying to exit the city.
- The construction work ahead led to a significant tailback of vehicles.
Related Words
- congestion
- roadworks
- road closure
- commute
- standstill
- slowdown
NOUN
2. A football player positioned behind the main formation
An offensive player in American football who lines up farthest behind the line of scrimmage in an offensive formation, particularly an I-formation.
2.1. American football running back
An offensive back positioned behind the other backs, typically responsible for carrying the ball, blocking, or receiving passes.
Synonyms
- running back
- halfback
- fullback
Examples
- The tailback received the handoff and ran through a gap in the defensive line.
- The team's tailback gained several yards on the final play.
Related Words
- quarterback
- offensive back
- blocking back
- I-formation
- line of scrimmage