back
noun
\ ˈbak
\
\
plural backs
Definition of back
(Entry 1 of 5)
1a(1)
: the rear part of the human body especially from the neck to the end of the spine
(2)
: the body considered as the wearer of clothes
They were left with nothing but the clothes on their backs.
(3)
: capacity for labor, effort, or endurance
Put your back into it!
(4)
: the back considered as the seat of one's awareness of duty or failings
get off my back
(5)
: the back considered as an area of vulnerability
the police officer's partner always watches his back
b
: the part of a lower animal (such as a quadruped) corresponding to the human back
riding on the back of an elephant
c
: spinal column
She had surgery on her back.
d
: spine sense 1c
The title is on the book's back.
2a
: the side or surface opposite the front or face
I only saw him from the back.
: the rear part
the back of the head the back of the mirror
also
: the farther or reverse side
wrote the number on the back of an envelope
b
: something at or on the back for support
back of a chair
c
: a place away from the front
sat in back
3
: a position in some games (such as football or soccer) behind the front line of players
also
: a player in this position
a defensive back
4
informal
: a swimming race in which swimmers use the backstroke
She placed first in the 100-meter back.
back of one's hand
or back of the hand
back of one's mind
behind one's back
in back of
: a show of contempt
: the part of one's mind where thoughts and memories are stored to be drawn on
: without one's knowledge
talking about me behind my back
: behind
One day, I was sitting in the tiny parlor in back of the store …— John McNulty