To save this word, you'll need to log in.
Definition of fallback
(Entry 1 of 2)
fall back
verbfell back; fallen back; falling back; falls back
Definition of fall back (Entry 2 of 2)
fall back on or fall back upon
: to have recourse to
had to fall back on their reserves
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Test Your Vocabulary
Semantic Drift Quiz
- Which of the following was once a synonym for fun?

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
Share fallback
Time Traveler for fallback
The first known use of fallback was in 1607
See more words from the same year