backlog

1 of 2

noun

back·​log ˈbak-ˌlȯg How to pronounce backlog (audio)
-ˌläg
1
: a large log at the back of a hearth fire
2
: an accumulation of tasks unperformed or materials not processed
a backlog of court cases

backlog

2 of 2

verb

backlogged; backlogging; backlogs

Examples of backlog in a Sentence

Noun We have a huge backlog of orders to be filled.
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
Outside China, Japan leads with 52 open locations and 18 in backlog, followed by India (33 open, 9 backlog), South Korea (27 open, 3 backlog) and Indonesia (18 open, 2 backlog). Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 18 Mar. 2025 There is still a backlog of asylum claims and what’s being done now is certainly not fair or humane. Dp Opinion, The Denver Post, 16 Mar. 2025
Verb
For the 2024 tax season, Collins urged the IRS to make clearing up its identity theft backlog a higher priority. Michelle Singletary, Washington Post, 12 Jan. 2024 Related:Infractions backlog likely to push Louisville basketball's case into a sixth year NCAA's Complex Case Unit's allegations against Louisville men's basketball: 1. Tim Sullivan, The Courier-Journal, 28 Mar. 2022 See All Example Sentences for backlog

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1684, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1963, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of backlog was in 1684

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Cite this Entry

“Backlog.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backlog. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

backlog

noun
back·​log
-ˌlȯg,
-ˌläg
1
: a large log at the back of a fire in a fireplace
2
: an accumulation of tasks that have not been finished

More from Merriam-Webster on backlog

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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