have (something) back

phrase

: to receive (something) that is returned or restored
If I lend you this book, can I have it back by next Tuesday?
How I wish I could have my youth back (again)!

Cite this Entry

“Have (something) back.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/have%20%28something%29%20back. Accessed 14 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