backward compatible

adjective

variants or less commonly backwards compatible
: compatible with older equipment or previous versions of software
Dolby Digital is backward compatible and supports earlier versions of Dolby such as Pro Logic.Consumer Reports
backward compatibility noun
or less commonly backwards compatibility

Examples of backward compatible in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Support For Multi-Gig Internet As well as offering the higher speed and lower latency of Wi-Fi 7 technology, the new Orbi 370 Series is backward compatible with Wi-Fi 4/5/6/6E. Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025 The new console continues to balance on-the-go handheld gaming with big-screen TV play, remains backward compatible with most Switch games, and adds more retro games to its digital library with the arrival of classic GameCube games. Matt Kamen, Wired News, 20 July 2025 Most Nintendo Switch 2 games are backward compatible with the original Switch, but some titles experience compatibility issues. Alex Perry, The Enquirer, 5 June 2025 The Switch 2 is largely backward compatible, meaning the vast majority of older titles will work on it (Nintendo is maintaining a list). Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for backward compatible

Word History

First Known Use

1975, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of backward compatible was in 1975

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Cite this Entry

“Backward compatible.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backward%20compatible. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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