back·bench
| \ ˈbak-ˈbench
\
\
Definition of backbench
: a bench in a British legislature (such as the House of Commons) occupied by rank-and-file members — compare front bench
Keep scrolling for more
Other Words from backbench
backbencher
\ ˈbak-ˈben-chər
\
noun
\
noun
Examples of backbench in a Sentence
the Prime Minister's supporters on the backbenches
Recent Examples on the Web
Hunt said he was offered another job in the administration but decided to return to the backbenches. — Karla Adam, BostonGlobe.com, "Boris Johnson becomes British prime minister," 24 July 2019 May has expressed her intention to return to the Conservative backbenches when her eventful and frequently agonizing residence in Downing Street comes to an end. — Rob Picheta, CNN, "Theresa May condemns populism and expresses Brexit regret in last major speech as British PM," 17 July 2019 If Mr Joyce hadn’t got so sloshed, Jeremy Corbyn might still be on the backbenches, and Labour might have campaigned much more vigorously for Britain to stay in the European Union. — The Economist, "Last orders for political drinking," 31 May 2018 In the New Yorker, George Packer profiles Rep. Ryan Costello (R-PA), a backbench House member who fits the brand. — Ezra Klein, Vox, "The fall of the not-quite-Trumpers," 6 Nov. 2018 The party has a talented crop of MPs elected in 2015 and 2017 who are stranded on the backbenches. — The Economist, "A quiet revolution in Theresa May’s cabinet," 12 July 2018 That is true, and adding in budget payments and free movement will surely prompt further cabinet resignations and backbench rebellions. — The Economist, "A new Brexit plan creates fresh depths of chaos," 12 July 2018 The loss of two senior ministers and the anger among Brexit-supporting backbench lawmakers makes May’s position as leader increasingly tenuous. — Washington Post, "Boris Johnson quits UK government in mounting Brexit crisis," 9 July 2018 Labour’s leadership team has proposed similar amendments, and McDonnell suggested the party may get behind the Tory backbench proposals. — Bloomberg.com, "Labour Says ‘Inevitable’ U.K. Will Stay in an EU Customs Union," 8 Mar. 2018These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'backbench.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for backbench
backbench
noun
English Language Learners Definition of backbench
British
: a seat in the British Parliament that is held by an ordinary member
See the full definition for backbench in the English Language Learners Dictionary