How to pronounce linebacker
Say it like LYNE-bak-er. Linebacker has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LYNE).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce linebacker. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- LYNE
- bak
- er
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Linebacker pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- LYNESay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- bakGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- erKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of linebacker
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: LYNE-bak-uh.
What does linebacker mean?
- The defensive players who are in position behind the defensive linemen and in front of the safeties and cornerbacks and whose principal responsibilities are to tackle runners and to defend against shorter passes.“The linebacker corralled the runner who had slipped through the hole.”
Where does linebacker come from?
From line + backer.
Questions about saying linebacker
How do you pronounce linebacker?
Say LYNE-bak-er. The American pronunciation is /ˈlaɪnˌbækɚ/. In British English it is /ˈlaɪnˌbækə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in linebacker?
Linebacker has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LYNE). Broken into parts: LYNE · bak · er.
Is linebacker pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈlaɪnˌbækə/ (LYNE-bak-uh).