back | Search Online Etymology Dictionary

"a backwards somersault in the air," 1906; see back (adj.) + flip (n.).

1883 in theatrical argot, "painted cloth hung at the back of a stage as part of the scenery," from back (adj.) + drop (n.).

backbone (n.)

"spine, vertebral column," early 14c., from back (n.) + bone (n.). Figurative sense of "firmness of purpose, strength of character" is by 1843.

backless (adj.)

"without a back," 1919, in reference to women's gowns and dresses, earlier of benches, from back (n.) + -less.

backpedal (v.)

also back-pedal, 1883, in bicycling; see back (adv.) + pedal (v.). Related: Backpedalling (1887).

backstairs (n.)

"stairs at the back of a structure," 1650s, from back (adj.) + stairs (see stair). Figurative use is attested earlier (1640s).

backorder

also back-order, by 1980 (n.); 1985 (v.); see back (adj.) + order. Related: Backordered.

backing (n.)

1590s, "support at the back;" 1640s, "retreat;" verbal noun from back (v.). Physical sense of "anything placed at or attached to the back of something else" is from 1793. Meaning "musical accompaniment" is recorded from 1937.

hardback (n.)

"type of book bound in stiff boards," 1954, from hard (adj.) + back (n.).

sway-backed (adj.)

1670s, according to OED of Scandinavian origin, perhaps related to obsolete Danish sveibaget. See sway (v.) + back (n.).

Trending words