back end

1 of 2

noun

variants or backend
plural back ends or backends
1
usually back end : the back part or section of something : rear end sense 1
As he was leaving the pits, he lost control of the back end of his car and slid across the patch of grass that separates the pit road exit from the track.Mark Bechtel
Next, start washing your dog's back end and hindquarters, praising him all the while if he is nervous.petonbed.com
2
: the latter or final part or period of a business arrangement or financial undertaking
With the Roth IRA, you get your tax reward on the back end—you put in already taxed money, but withdrawals are tax free …Janet Novack
compare front end sense 3
3
usually backend computing : the part of a software system that is not usually visible or accessible to a user of that system
On Spotify, every song you listen to is categorized … on the backend of the streaming platform.Elena Cavender
It is compatible with almost all websites, thanks to the same backend that Google Chrome itself uses …J. C. Torres
The $2 billion plan calls for new cash registers and scanners in its stores and will improve systems on the back end to make sure stores are stocked properly.Megan Barnett
compare front end sense 2
4
dialectal British : the latter part of the year : the autumn and early winter
He bred no cattle, but bought in about 120 Irish beasts and Shorthorn stirks out of Westmorland and Cumberland in spring and at the back end of the year, and fed them out in the stalls.H. Rider Haggard

back-end

2 of 2

adjective

variants or less commonly backend
1
: relating to, associated with, or occurring in the latter or final part or period of an undertaking or business arrangement
back-end logistics/operations/commissions
You need to know all the back-end fees when you go to turn in a lease, things like excess mileage that can really zing you.Ray Martin
Studio executives are taking desperate measures: slashing budgets and production output, finding partners for their blockbusters and cutting unprecedented "backend" deals to split revenues with top talent.Thomas Schatz
compare front-end sense 1
2
computing : not usually visible or accessible to the user of a device or service
the site's back-end software
The back-end system then processes the transaction and rings the vending machine, instructing it to dispense your order. The payment automatically shows up on your phone bill.Carol Levin
To meet consumer expectations, the backend technology powering day-to-day transactions has had to become more intelligent and interoperable.Danny Fields
Some developers already do have their own backend payment processes.William Gallagher
compare front-end sense 2

Examples of back end in a Sentence

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.
Noun
The back end of the defense must avoid the penalties and communication errors that have plagued the Rams most of the season. Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2024 And linebacker is one of the positions that remain murky, at least on the back end, as the team heads into Friday’s preseason finale against the Las Vegas Raiders. Matt Barrows, The Athletic, 21 Aug. 2024
Adjective
The Tech Guild represents over 600 software developers and other employees who operate the back-end systems behind all digital aspects at the Times. Joanne Haner, The Hill, 4 Nov. 2024 Twelve courses that provide training in front and back-end development, along with hands-on experience in integrating cloud technologies and AI services. Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for back end 

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1592, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1965, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of back end was in 1592

Dictionary Entries Near back end

backen

back end

back-end

Cite this Entry

“Back end.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/back%20end. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

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