flash·back
ˈflash-ˌbak 
1
: a recession of flame to an unwanted position (as into a blowpipe)
2
a
: interruption of chronological sequence (as in a film or literary work) by interjection of events of earlier occurrence
also
: an instance of flashback
b
: a past incident recurring vividly in the mind
flashed back; flashing back; flashes back
1
: to focus one's mind on or vividly remember a past time or incident
—usually used with to
flashed back to my childhood
2
: to employ a flashback (as in a film)
—usually used with to
Examples of flashback in a Sentence
Noun
The character's childhood was described in a series of flashbacks.
He's having flashbacks of his days in the war.
Verb
the scent made me flash back to the days of my mother's home-cooked Sunday dinners
Recent Examples on the Web
Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
In a flashback scene revealing Sophia's backstory, Lamar played the role of Marcus, Sophia's identity before transitioning.
—Grace Gavilanes, People.com, 20 July 2025
Katie Campione, Deadline, 15 July 2025
Pascal is in nearly every scene in Episode 6, which flashes back to several of Ellie’s recent birthdays and gives viewers a satisfying dose of the relationship that was so central to Season 1.
—Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 18 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for flashback
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Noun
There will also be more of James Marsden in presidential flashbacks, but not as many as before, no doubt.
—Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
In a flashback scene revealing Sophia's backstory, Lamar played the role of Marcus, Sophia's identity before transitioning.
—Grace Gavilanes, People.com, 20 July 2025
Verb
The episode focuses on Liza Colón-Zayas’ character Tina and her life outside of work, flashing back to her job hunt that landed her at The Beef.
—Katie Campione, Deadline, 15 July 2025
Pascal is in nearly every scene in Episode 6, which flashes back to several of Ellie’s recent birthdays and gives viewers a satisfying dose of the relationship that was so central to Season 1.
—Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 18 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for flashback
Cite this Entry
“Flashback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flashback. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
flashback
noun
flash·back
ˈflash-ˌbak
1
: the introduction of a past event into a story or motion picture
also
: this past event
2
: a past incident recurring clearly in the mind
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