Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

back run

noun

Definition of back run 

: the period in an industrial process in which the flow of materials (as of steam and gas in water-gas manufacture) is reversed

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 run

1927, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for back run

back entry 3

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about back run

Dictionary Entries near back run

backrope

back rub

back rubber

back run

back sail

backs and cutters

backsaw

Statistics for back run

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for back run

The first known use of back run was in 1927

See more words from the same year

Comments on back run

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

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

mawkish

exaggeratedly or childishly emotional

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Words from Greek and Roman Mythology Quiz

  • the-triumph-of-venus-by-alessandro-magnasco
  • Boreal comes from the name of the ancient Greek god of which wind?
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Add Diction

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