backslash

noun

back·​slash ˈbak-ˌslash How to pronounce backslash (audio)
: a mark \ used especially in computer programming

Examples of backslash in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Unfortunately, those same power users will want to defenestrate the little laptop, due to its strange rehoming of the backslash key. Jim Salter, Ars Technica, 21 June 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'backslash.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1979, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of backslash was in 1979

Dictionary Entries Near backslash

Cite this Entry

“Backslash.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backslash. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

backslash

noun
back·​slash -ˌslash How to pronounce backslash (audio)
: a mark \ used especially in computer programming
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!