back matter

noun

: matter following the main text of a book

Example Sentences

A list of geographical names appears in the back matter of the dictionary.
Recent Examples on the Web 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 example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'back matter.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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

backmasking

back matter

backmost

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Back matter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/back%20matter. Accessed 27 Mar. 2023.

Copy Citation

Share

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of disparate

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

Which Came First?

  • baby chick with a brown egg
  • hot take or cold shoulder?
Spell It

Hear a word and type it out. How many can you get right?

TAKE THE QUIZ
Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can with using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.

Can you make 12 words with 7 letters?

PLAY
Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games