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
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.
Adverb
The felony suspect then tried to kick him again but missed and fell backward, which allowed Bissonnette to flee to a nearby business, court documents detailed. Jose R. Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 26 Nov. 2024 Alternatively, a more pressurized fruit would shoot seeds forward and backward. Carolyn Wilke, New York Times, 25 Nov. 2024
Adjective
However, the deals for Alonso and Burnes feel backward. Matt Robison, Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2024 The decision to support backward compatibility means that all of those games will immediately be available to anyone who picks up the next console. Andrew Webster, The Verge, 6 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 Dec. 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

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