have (someone) back

phrase

1
: to be with (someone who has returned) again
Welcome home! It's great to have you back (with us again)!
We'd love to have you back for another visit.
He longs to have her back in his life.
The doctor said he'd like to have me back for more tests next week.
2
: to allow (someone) to return
He wants to return to his wife, but she won't have him back.

Cite this Entry

“Have (someone) back.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/have%20%28someone%29%20back. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster