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

Fortunately for the Bolts, the back end of the defense showed up. Linebackers: A Who had a better night than Khalil Mack, who trucked Jets QB Zach Wilson, leading to a fourth-quarter fumble and a Chargers score on the way to a five-tackle, two-sack night? —Ryan Finley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Nov. 2023

The nose is a sweet bouquet of vanilla, caramel, and honey, with a bit of oak and tropical fruit on the back end. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 2 Nov. 2023

Making your way through a flurry of transactions is the next step, one that can be treacherous for those at the back end of the depth chart. —Christopher Price, BostonGlobe.com, 25 Aug. 2023

The number of victims in shootouts seemed to multiply on the back end of telegrams. —Wil Haygood, Washington Post, 2 Nov. 2023

The convertible’s back end appears to have a lot going on visually, especially when the five-layer fabric top is folded down. —Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 27 Sep. 2023

There was some up front and, with luck, more on the back end: a share of the box office; a cut of the DVD or broadcast rights; a higher budget next time around. —A.o. Scott, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2023

Senior Gibson Bean and junior Jacob Watson handle LB and junior Spence Hanna and senior Kaden Daniels man the back end. —Dennis Victory, al, 22 Aug. 2023

Retailers typically do not adjust their in-store prices based on the rough diamond market in the short term, regardless of whether the products become cheaper or more expensive on the back end. —Eva Rothenberg, CNN, 1 Oct. 2023

Adjective

Both producer and star of the box office record-breaker Barbie, Robbie is expected to earn $50 million as part of a deal that combines her salary and back-end bonuses, according to Variety. —Jack Smart, Peoplemag, 6 Nov. 2023

Companies may want to make adjustments to their back-end systems to transact in real time. —Kristin Broughton, WSJ, 2 Nov. 2023

The process is energy intensive — often fueled by greenhouse-gas-emitting fossil fuels — and produces a thick, briny sludge on the back-end that is typically released back into the ocean. —Hayley Smith, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2023

Usually, the newsreels tried to soften even the harshest news at the top of the issue with a back-end clip of fashion or sports. —Thomas Doherty, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Sep. 2023

Other new roles that will form part of the growing messaging team include engineering leads, back-end tech leads, and software engineers. —Byeleanor Pringle, Fortune, 7 Sep. 2023

Anastasia was thankful to have several friends who helped with the design and back-end development of the app. —Jon Stojan, USA TODAY, 25 Aug. 2023

The rest of the secondary battle will continue, with three players in contention for one spot on the back-end. —Andrew Gillis, cleveland, 21 Aug. 2023

The actress, 33, is expected to earn $50 million in a deal combining her salary and back-end box-office bonuses, per Variety, which cited multiple sources. —Jen Juneau, Peoplemag, 16 Aug. 2023

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Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1592, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1973, in the meaning defined at sense 2