back

A2
Pronunciation
/bæk/
/bæk/
Noun
11 definition(s)
1 Definition

The rear of the body, especially the part between the neck and the end of the spine and opposite the chest and belly.

Example Sentences
  • Could you please scratch my back?
2 Definition

That which is farthest away from the front.

Example Sentences
  • He sat in the back of the room.
3 Definition

Upper part of a natural object which is considered to resemble an animal's back.

Example Sentences
  • The small boat raced over the backs of the waves.
4 Definition

A support or resource in reserve.

5 Definition

The keel and keelson of a ship.

Example Sentences
  • The ship's back broke in the pounding surf.
6 Definition

The roof of a horizontal underground passage.

7 Definition

Effort, usually physical.

Example Sentences
  • Put some back into it!
8 Definition

A non-alcoholic drink (often water or a soft drink), to go with hard liquor or a cocktail.

Example Sentences
  • Could I get a martini with a water back?
9 Definition

Among leather dealers, one of the thickest and stoutest tanned hides.

10 Definition

A large shallow vat; a cistern, tub, or trough, used by brewers, distillers, dyers, picklers, gluemakers, and others, for mixing or cooling wort, holding water, hot glue, etc.

11 Definition

A ferryboat.

Verb
14 definition(s)
1 Definition

To go in the reverse direction.

Example Sentences
  • the train backed into the station;  the horse refuses to back
2 Definition

To support.

Example Sentences
  • I back you all the way;  which horse are you backing in this race?
3 Definition

(of the wind) To change direction contrary to the normal pattern; that is, to shift anticlockwise in the northern hemisphere, or clockwise in the southern hemisphere.

4 Definition

(of a square sail) To brace the yards so that the wind presses on the front of the sail, to slow the ship.

5 Definition

(of an anchor) To lay out a second, smaller anchor to provide additional holding power.

6 Definition

(of a hunting dog) To stand still behind another dog which has pointed.

7 Definition

To push or force backwards.

Example Sentences
  • The mugger backed her into a corner and demanded her wallet.
8 Definition

To get upon the back of; to mount.

9 Definition

To place or seat upon the back.

10 Definition

To make a back for; to furnish with a back.

Example Sentences
  • to back books
11 Definition

To adjoin behind; to be at the back of.

12 Definition

To write upon the back of, possibly as an endorsement.

Example Sentences
  • to back a letter;  to back a note or legal document
13 Definition

(of a justice of the peace) To sign or endorse (a warrant, issued in another county, to apprehend an offender).

14 Definition

To row backward with (oars).

Example Sentences
  • to back the oars
Adjective
6 definition(s)
1 Definition

Near the rear.

Example Sentences
  • Go in the back door of the house.
2 Definition

Not current.

Example Sentences
  • I’d like to find a back issue of that magazine.
3 Definition

Far from the main area.

Example Sentences
  • They took a back road.
4 Definition

In arrear; overdue.

Example Sentences
  • They still owe three months' back rent.
5 Definition

Moving or operating backward.

Example Sentences
  • back action
6 Definition

Pronounced with the highest part of the body of the tongue toward the back of the mouth, near the soft palate (most often describing a vowel).

Example Sentences
  • The vowel of lot has a back vowel in most dialects of England.
Adverb
5 definition(s)
1 Definition

To or in a previous condition or place.

Example Sentences
  • He gave back the money.   He needs his money back.   He was on vacation, but now he’s back.   The office fell into chaos when you left, but now order is back.
2 Definition

Away from the front or from an edge.

Example Sentences
  • Sit all the way back in your chair.
3 Definition

In a manner that impedes.

Example Sentences
  • Fear held him back.
4 Definition

In a reciprocal manner; in return.

Example Sentences
  • If you hurt me, I'll hurt you back.
5 Definition

Earlier, ago.

Example Sentences
  • I last saw him a day or two back.