back end

1 of 2

noun

variants or backend

ˈbak-ˌend 

plural back ends or backends

1

usually back end : the back part or section of something : rear end sense 1

As he was leaving the pits, he lost control of the back end of his car and slid across the patch of grass that separates the pit road exit from the track.

—Mark Bechtel

Next, start washing your dog's back end and hindquarters, praising him all the while if he is nervous.

—petonbed.com

2

: the latter or final part or period of a business arrangement or financial undertaking

With the Roth IRA, you get your tax reward on the back end—you put in already taxed money, but withdrawals are tax free …

—Janet Novack

compare front end sense 3

3

usually backend computing : the part of a software system that is not usually visible or accessible to a user of that system

On Spotify, every song you listen to is categorized … on the backend of the streaming platform.

—Elena Cavender

It is compatible with almost all websites, thanks to the same backend that Google Chrome itself uses …

—J. C. Torres

The $2 billion plan calls for new cash registers and scanners in its stores and will improve systems on the back end to make sure stores are stocked properly.

—Megan Barnett

compare front end sense 2

4

dialectal British : the latter part of the year : the autumn and early winter

He bred no cattle, but bought in about 120 Irish beasts and Shorthorn stirks out of Westmorland and Cumberland in spring and at the back end of the year, and fed them out in the stalls.

—H. Rider Haggard

back-end

2 of 2

adjective

ˈbak-ˌend 

variants or less commonly backend

1

: relating to, associated with, or occurring in the latter or final part or period of an undertaking or business arrangement

back-end logistics/operations/commissions

You need to know all the back-end fees when you go to turn in a lease, things like excess mileage that can really zing you.

—Ray Martin

Studio executives are taking desperate measures: slashing budgets and production output, finding partners for their blockbusters and cutting unprecedented "backend" deals to split revenues with top talent.

—Thomas Schatz

compare front-end sense 1

2

computing : not usually visible or accessible to the user of a device or service

the site's back-end software

The back-end system then processes the transaction and rings the vending machine, instructing it to dispense your order. The payment automatically shows up on your phone bill.

—Carol Levin

To meet consumer expectations, the backend technology powering day-to-day transactions has had to become more intelligent and interoperable.

—Danny Fields

Some developers already do have their own backend payment processes.

—William Gallagher

compare front-end sense 2

Examples of back end in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The treasury secretary is on the back end of her second visit to China in nine months to meet with state officials. —William Gavin, Quartz, 8 Apr. 2024

Runner-up: Athletic Free Wave Hazy IPA Decently hoppy with a back end of grapefruit that’s a bit too bitter to be enjoyable. —Allison Robicelli, Washington Post, 4 Apr. 2024

On one hand, their run of good play over the last two months and a favorable closing schedule has given them a chance to play their way out of the back end of the NBA’s play-in tournament. —Austin Knoblauch, Los Angeles Times, 3 Apr. 2024

As a result, even if bad customers slipped through the application process, their banks could catch them on the back end because of their conspicuous consumption. —Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2024

But more often than not, the Wolves will have to build out their back end through the draft. —Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 10 Feb. 2024

After Luzardo only went five innings, Schumaker’s hope was for George Soriano to pitch two innings to get to the back end relievers. —Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 29 Mar. 2024

Malaysia’s history in the back end of making semiconductors was one of the primary draws, Mr. Gerstenmayer said. —Patricia Cohen, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2024

Alan Blaylock, a Fort Worth city council member and newcomer to the appraisal district board, said the cosmetics of the website are improved but that many changes to the back end are important as well. —Noah Alcala Bach, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Mar. 2024

Adjective

The Lakers host Minnesota on Sunday night with another chance to play their way out of the back-end of the play-in tournament. —Dan Woike, Los Angeles Times, 6 Apr. 2024

When seeking new technology in 2024, companies must put their workforce first, choosing powerful, back-end platforms that enable employees to perform their jobs more efficiently and effectively and, as a result, have more time to spend with customers. —Michael Spataro, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024

Shaw pounced after a firm pass got held up in a back-end bog instead of rolling to goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan, also of the Wave. —Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Mar. 2024

These directories allow members to effortlessly locate healthcare providers within their network and rely on comprehensive back-end provider content. —Tammy Hawes, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024

Full back-end chip manufacturing is unlikely ever to take place solely in the United States: the final chips would be too costly to be commercially viable. —Shannon K. O’Neil, Foreign Affairs, 20 Feb. 2024

Never mind the back-end systems where AI is used to improve operational efficiency. —Eamon Barrett, Fortune, 16 Feb. 2024

Phillips and Graterol are back as the back-end foundation. —Bill Plunkett, Orange County Register, 5 Feb. 2024

Even the back-end options like Curtis Samuel and Logan Thomas are players capable of making clutch catches. —Jon Hoefling, USA TODAY, 24 Jan. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1592, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1973, in the meaning defined at sense 2