back matter

noun

: matter following the main text of a book

Examples of back matter in a Sentence

A list of geographical names appears in the back matter of the dictionary.
Recent Examples on the Web Add pages for the front matter, back matter, index, glossary and other content. Peter Gregory, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2023 The text and stock photos will appeal to older children, but there's also back matter that dives deeper into each type of dormancy. Star Tribune, 11 Mar. 2021 Tucked away in the back matter, there’s a tragic coda. Constance Grady, Vox, 24 June 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'back matter.' 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

circa 1922, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of back matter was circa 1922

Dictionary Entries Near back matter

Cite this Entry

“Back matter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/back%20matter. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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