back

Definitions

1. adjective

   At or near the rear of something.

   Examples

   • Go in through the back door of the house.
   • The garden is at the back of the house.
   ≈rear
2. adverb

   To or in a previous place or condition.

   Examples

   • He gave back the money.
   • I left my phone at the hotel, so I have to go back.
3. adverb

   In the direction behind you.

   Examples

   • Someone pushed me, and I fell back.
   • The old clock fell back and crashed to the floor.
4. adverb

   In the opposite direction from the usual one.

   Examples

   • Wind the film back a few frames.
   • Don't forget to put the clocks back one hour tonight.
5. adjective

   Returned to a place or state.

   Examples

   • He was on vacation, but now he's back.
   • Everything is back to normal.
6. adjective

   From an earlier time, not current.

   Examples

   • I'd like to find a back issue of that magazine.
   • The library keeps back issues in the basement.
   ≈former≈previous
7. adjective

   Far from the main or busy areas.

   Examples

   • They took a back road to avoid traffic.
   • He lives out in the back country.
8. adjective

   Owed from an earlier time.

   Examples

   • They still owe three months of back rent.
   • Several workers asked for the back pay they were owed.
9. adjective

   Moving or working in a reverse direction.

   Examples

   • The machine has a back motion that resets the gears.
   • Press the back button to go to the last page.
10. adjective

    Said with the tongue pulled back in the mouth, used about some vowel sounds.

    Examples

    • The vowel in boot is a back vowel.
    • The vowel in boot is said further back than the vowel in beet.