1
a
: in or toward the back
look behind
The older students entered the room first with the younger students following behind.
b
: in the place that someone is going away from
She stayed behind after the other guests left.
They left behind everything they owned when they fled the country.
We had to leave our family, friends, and neighbors behind.
—often used figurativelyShe has left her fears and doubts behind. [=she is no longer fearful and doubtful]
She wanted to leave the past behind. [=forget about the past]
c
: later in time
"If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?"—
P. B. Shelley, "Ode to the West Wind" (1820)
P. B. Shelley, "Ode to the West Wind" (1820)2
: in a losing position in a race or competition
"How far behind was she?" "At least 50 yards (behind)."
We were ahead in the first half, but now we're behind.
We were behind by five runs. = We were five runs behind.
a politician who is behind in the polls
She was losing the race but she came from behind and is now in front.
3
a
—used to describe something that is not happening or proceeding as quickly as it should
We're running about five minutes behind [=late] with tonight's schedule.
b
—used to describe someone who is not doing something (such as paying a debt) as quickly as required or expected
He got a bit behind [=late] in/with his payments.
He is behind in (paying) his rent.
1
: in or to a place at the back of or to the rear of (someone or something)
Look behind you.
He was standing in front of me and she was standing behind [=in back of] me.
The older students entered the room first with the younger students following behind them.
The house is behind some trees. [=there are some trees in front of the house]
The cat hid behind the couch.
The sun went/hid/was behind a cloud.
2
: losing to (someone or something) in a race or competition
"How far behind the other runners was she?" "At least 50 yards (behind them)."
They were ahead of us by 5 points earlier in the game, but now they're behind us by 7.
The polls show that he is behind the other candidates.
The company is now behind the competition.
3
: in a less advanced position than (someone or something)
He was a year behind me in school. [=he finished school a year after I did]
: not happening or proceeding as quickly as (someone or something)
He was behind the other students in his studies.
This year's sales have lagged considerably/significantly behind last year's sales. [=sales have not been as good this year as they were last year]
We're running about five minutes behind schedule. [=late]
4
a
: in the past for (someone or something)
Those problems are behind us now.
Her best work is behind her. [=her best work was in the past]
He has many years of experience behind him. [=he has many years of experience in his past]
b
: out of the mind or thoughts of (someone)
Let's put our troubles behind us. [=let's stop thinking/worrying about our troubles]
5
a
: providing the reason or explanation for (something)
We need to learn more about the conditions behind the strike. [=the conditions that led to the strike]
What was really behind his murder? [=what was the real reason for his murder?]
b
: responsible for (something)
We'll get to the bottom of this conspiracy and find out who's behind it!
6
a
: in support of (someone or something)
Despite the controversy, most of his supporters remain solidly behind him.
We're behind you all the way!
I encourage everyone to get behind these proposals. [=to support these proposals]
b
: with the support of (something)
They won the game 1-0 behind brilliant pitching. [=brilliant pitching made it possible for them to win the game 1-0]
plural behinds
informal
: the part of the body above the legs that is used for sitting : buttocks
kicked him in the behind
Get your behind over here right now! [=come here right now]
Cite this Entry
“Behind.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/behind. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
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