back-order

1 of 2

verb

back-or·​der ˈbak-ˌȯr-dər How to pronounce back-order (audio)
back-ordered; back-ordering; back-orders

transitive verb

: to assign to the status of back order

back order

2 of 2

noun

: a business order yet to be fulfilled because stock is unavailable

Examples of back-order in a Sentence

Noun The book I want to buy is a back order and won't be shipped for three weeks. The book I want to buy is on back order and won't be shipped for three weeks.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
Microsoft still lists the four different iterations of the HoloLens 2 on its website, but the main HoloLens 2 device is out of stock or back-ordered across the web. Kate Irwin, PCMAG, 3 Oct. 2024 Thousands more hats are on back-order until October. Jessica Guynn, USA TODAY, 8 Aug. 2024
Noun
As of Wednesday, most of the styles in their launch on Sunday were on back order. Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 12 June 2024 But the guns were on back order and difficult to get, especially during the pandemic, said John Mannewitz, who owns Targetmaster with his family. Kevin Krause, Dallas News, 11 May 2023 See all Example Sentences for back-order 

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1901, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1887, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of back-order was in 1887

Dictionary Entries Near back-order

back order

back-order

back-ordered

Cite this Entry

“Back-order.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/back-order. Accessed 24 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

back order

noun
: a business order that is to be fulfilled later because the item is unavailable
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