fallback

1 of 2

noun

fall·​back ˈfȯl-ˌbak How to pronounce fallback (audio)
1
: something on which one can fall back : reserve
often used attributively
a fallback career
a fallback position
2
: a falling back : retreat
3
: something that falls back
the fallback from an explosion

fall back

2 of 2

verb

fell back; fallen back; falling back; falls back
Phrases
fall back on or fall back upon
: to have recourse to
had to fall back on their reserves

Examples of fallback in a Sentence

Verb resistance from native forces was greater than expected, and the invading army was forced to fall back
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.
Noun
Microsoft could potentially follow Sony’s lead — or try to capitalize on consumer frustration by holding firm and emphasizing Xbox’s relative value, particularly with its cheaper Series S model as a fallback. Esat Dedezade, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025 In times of uncertainty, nostalgia seems to be the fallback. Stéphane Jg Girod, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
After receiving the lethal injection, Osgood's breathing became deep and his head fell back on the gurney at around 6:15 p.m., according to The Associated Press. Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025 The 10-year yield stabilized somewhat on Monday, falling back below 4.4 percent. Joe Rennison, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fallback

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1830, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Verb

1607, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fallback was in 1607

Browse Nearby Words

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fallback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fallback. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

fall back

verb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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