backward

1 of 3

adverb

back·​ward ˈbak-wərd How to pronounce backward (audio)
variants or backwards
1
a
: toward the back or rear
She glanced backward over her shoulder.
b
: with the back foremost
Take three steps backward.
2
a
: in a reverse or contrary direction or way
Count backward from 10.
b
: toward the past
a journey backward in time
c
: toward a worse state
His new job felt like a step backward.

backward

2 of 3

adjective

1
a
: directed or turned toward the back
a backward glance
b
: done or executed backward
a backward somersault
2
: diffident, shy
I have been backward to begin my canvass.Edmund Burke
3
: less advanced in development or accomplishment than what is typical or expected
… said he felt the news media had given Jasper the image of a backward country town.Eli Rosenberg and Lindsey Bever
backwardly adverb
backwardness noun

backward

3 of 3

noun

: the part behind or past
… the dark backward … of time …Shakespeare
Phrases
bend over backward or lean over backward
: to make extreme efforts (as at concession)
He said he would bend over backward to make the deal.

Examples of backward in a Sentence

Adverb a sudden movement backward, not forward I heard a noise behind me and glanced backward. He pushed the throttle backward. She took a small step backward. a journey backward in time The narrative moves backward and forward in time. Adjective a technologically backward village that has no running water a backward turn on ice skates is hard to learn because you can't see where you're going
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Adverb
Martin, 47, spoke to the crowd in Melbourne, Australia, on Saturday while walking backward on stage, seeming not to notice a trapdoor was open. Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY, 4 Nov. 2024 What time do clocks 'fall back?' When local time reaches 2 a.m. on Nov. 3, clocks will turn backward an hour to 1 a.m. Your smartphones, computers and smart watches will automatically adjust to the time change. Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 2 Nov. 2024
Adjective
Chapter titles with the names of family members take us backward and forward in time. Richard Kuipers, Variety, 2 Nov. 2024 Rebels fight the redcoats, Ben Franklin bitches about his politically backward son, and America gains its independence. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 1 Nov. 2024
Noun
In the weeks ahead, when the pundits are debating how to interpret the latest holiday spending numbers, keep in mind that one half-step backward may be the key to sticking a soft landing. Sanjay Datta, Fortune, 21 Dec. 2023 Then laughs from the back of the room while Paul sat with his hat on backward, chin up and a slight smirk. Duane Rankin, The Arizona Republic, 19 Apr. 2023 See all Example Sentences for backward 

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1610, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of backward was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near backward

Cite this Entry

“Backward.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backward. Accessed 12 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

backward

1 of 2 adverb
back·​ward ˈbak-wərd How to pronounce backward (audio)
variants or backwards
1
: toward the back
look backward
2
: with the back first
ride backward
3
: opposite to the usual way : in reverse
count backward
4
: toward a worse state

backward

2 of 2 adjective
1
a
: directed or turned toward the back
a backward glance
b
: done backward
2
3
: slow in learning or development
backward nations
backwardly adverb
backwardness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on backward

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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