backtrack

verb

back·​track ˈbak-ˌtrak How to pronounce backtrack (audio)
backtracked; backtracking; backtracks

intransitive verb

1
a
: to retrace one's course
b
: to go back to an earlier point in a sequence
2
: to reverse a position

Examples of backtrack in a Sentence

The hikers realized they had made a wrong turn and would have to backtrack. Let me backtrack for a moment and pick up our previous conversation.
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.
The singer quickly backtracked on his comments but the damage was done. Shannon Power, Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2024 Earlier this year, Savage backtracked the revelation. Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 2 Dec. 2024 He’s backtracked on those comments, saying that Florida hopes to hold on to the Cup for a while — that Winnipeg can have it when the Panthers are done. Murat Ates, The Athletic, 21 Nov. 2024 Making about $350,000 annually, Pollio had previously said there would be few to no candidates who’d want to take the high-stress job, but more recently backtracked on the sentiment. Krista Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 20 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for backtrack 

Word History

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of backtrack was in 1870

Dictionary Entries Near backtrack

Cite this Entry

“Backtrack.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backtrack. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

backtrack

verb
back·​track ˈbak-ˌtrak How to pronounce backtrack (audio)
1
: to go back over a course or path
2
: to reverse a position or stand

More from Merriam-Webster on backtrack

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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