Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

back answer

noun

Definition of back answer

: a disrespectful retort hero-worshiping girl, absolutely dependent and submissive, with never a back answer— Richard Mallett

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

First Known Use of back answer

1839, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for back answer

back entry 3

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about back answer

Share back answer

Statistics for back answer

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for back answer

The first known use of back answer was in 1839

See more words from the same year

Comments on back answer

What made you want to look up back answer? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

cumulate

to gather or build up little by little

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Homophone Quiz

  • three-bears-two-of-them-look-like-theyre-whispering-to-a-third-bear-who-looks-chuffed-to-be-the-center-of-attention
  • In order to judge how people felt, the senator's office hired a firm to take a ______.
Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Word Winder's CrossWinder

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games