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
Still, Altman admitted that when parents are unreachable, police may become the fallback option. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2025 Either way, Lindgren serves as a solid fallback option and is expected to be one of the league’s best backups. The Athletic Nhl, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
The chances of falling back down to those depths is 23 percent. The Athletic Nhl, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025 When Barrymore exaggeratedly fell back on the couch, the audience clapped and laughed along with the women. Liza Esquibias, PEOPLE, 29 Sep. 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 4 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

fall back

verb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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