• Choose a category
• All
• Classic-Fiction

back·gam·mon noun : a game played with pieces on a double board in which the moves are determined by throwing dice

back·ground noun 1 : the scenery behind something

2 : the setting within which something takes place; also : the sum of a person's experience, training, and understanding

back·hand noun : a stroke (as in tennis) made with the back of the hand turned in the direction of movement; also : the side on which such a stroke is made

— back·hand verb

back·hand·ed adjective 1 : not straightforward and open : characterized by wiliness and trickery; especially : SARCASTIC

2 : using or made with a backhand

back·hoe noun : an excavating machine having a bucket that is drawn toward the machine

back·ing noun 1 : something forming a back

2 : the act or process of supporting : AID; also : a body of supporters

Synonyms

aid, assist, assistance, boost, help, lift, support—more at HELP

back·lash noun 1 : a sudden violent backward movement or reaction

2 : a strong adverse reaction

1backlog noun 1 : a large log at the back of a hearth fire

2 : an accumulation of tasks unperformed or materials not processed

2backlog verb : to accumulate in reserve

back of preposition : in or to a place or situation to the rear of : BEHIND

back off verb : to withdraw from a commitment or position : BACK DOWN

back out verb : to withdraw esp. from a commitment or contest

1backpack noun : a camping pack supported by an aluminum frame and carried on the back

2backpack verb : to hike with a backpack

— back·pack·er noun

back·ped·al verb : RETREAT

back·rest noun : a rest for the back

back·side noun : the seat of the body : BUTTOCKS

Synonyms

bottom, butt, buttocks, posterior, rear, rump, seat—more at BUTTOCKS

back·slap verb : to display excessive cordiality

— back·slap·per noun

back·slide verb -slid ; -slid or -slid·den ; -slid·ing : to lapse morally or in religious practice

back·slid·er noun : one that backslides

back·spin noun : a backward rotary motion of a ball

1backstage adjective 1 : relating to or occurring in the area behind a stage

2 : of or relating to the private lives of theater people

3 : of or relating to the inner working or operation

2backstage adverb 1 : in or to a backstage area

2 : SECRETLY

back·stairs adjective : SECRET, FURTIVE; also : SORDID, SCANDALOUS

1backstop noun : something serving as a stop behind something else; especially : a screen or fence to keep a ball from leaving the field of play

2backstop verb 1 : SUPPORT

2 : to serve as a backstop to

back·stretch noun : the side opposite the homestretch on a racecourse

back·stroke noun : a swimming stroke executed on the back

back talk noun : impudent, insolent, or argumentative replies

Synonyms

cheek, impertinence, impudence, insolence, sauce; also comeback, rejoinder, retort, riposte, wisecrack

back·track verb 1 : to retrace one's course

2 : to reverse a position or stand

back·up noun : one that serves as a substitute or alternative

Synonyms

pinch hitter, relief, replacement, reserve, stand-in, sub, substitute—more at SUBSTITUTE

1backward or back·wards adverb 1 : toward the back

2 : with the back foremost

3 : in a reverse or contrary direction or way

4 : toward the past; also : toward a worse state

2backward adjective 1 : directed, turned, or done backward

2 : DIFFIDENT, SHY

3 : retarded in development

— back·ward·ly adverb

— back·ward·ness noun

back·wash noun : a backward flow or movement (as of water or air) produced by a propelling force (as the motion of oars)

back·wa·ter noun 1 : water held or turned back in its course

2 : an isolated or backward place or condition

back·woods noun plural 1 : wooded or partly cleared areas far from cities

2 : a remote or isolated place

Synonyms

[1, 2] bush, frontier, hinterland, sticks, up-country—more at FRONTIER

ba·con noun : salted and smoked meat from the sides