backtrack

verb

back·​track ˈbak-ˌtrak 

backtracked; backtracking; backtracks

intransitive verb

1

a

: to retrace one's course

b

: to go back to an earlier point in a sequence

2

: to reverse a position

Examples of backtrack in a Sentence

The hikers realized they had made a wrong turn and would have to backtrack.

Let me backtrack for a moment and pick up our previous conversation.

Recent Examples on the Web

Scout Motors has a ton of potential, but has backtracked from being an all-electric company and is facing a slight launch delay. — Greg Migliore, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

However, the carmaker backtracked on those plans earlier this year, canceling that trio of battery-electric models as part of a broader strategic pivot. — Bloomberg, Oc Register, 16 July 2026

Trinity head coach Aaron Lineweaver also backtracked on a claim, saying Meredith didn’t quit the team in the hearing. — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 July 2026

Following fury from the English and Mexican Football Associations, FIFA may have to backtrack on its apparent plan to move the time of the England-Mexico game. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 3 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for backtrack

• aback
• attack
• backpack
• bareback
• blackjack
• brownback
• buyback
• callback
• cognac
• comeback
• cutback
• dieback

Kids Definition

backtrack

verb

back·​track ˈbak-ˌtrak 

1

: to go back over a course or path

2

: to reverse a position or stand