fallback

1 of 2

noun

fall·​back ˈfȯl-ˌbak How to pronounce fallback (audio)
1
: something on which one can fall back : reserve
often used attributively
a fallback career
a fallback position
2
: a falling back : retreat
3
: something that falls back
the fallback from an explosion

fall back

2 of 2

verb

fell back; fallen back; falling back; falls back
Phrases
fall back on or fall back upon
: to have recourse to
had to fall back on their reserves

Examples of fallback in a Sentence

Verb resistance from native forces was greater than expected, and the invading army was forced to fall back
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
So By Giulia Carbonaro US News Reporter Newsweek Is A Trust Project Member news article 133 A growing number of Americans are looking at dual citizenship as a fallback plan in times of widespread uncertainty and deepening political divisions, with young people leading the change. Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 May 2025 After Sullivan, under whom Tocchet was an assistant in Pittsburgh when the Penguins won back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2016 and ‘17, Tocchet had the highest name recognition on the market and had some options, including television as a fallback, to work the best deal possible. Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 14 May 2025
Verb
The stock has since fallen back to earth, but even at the current trading price of just under $5, Don Jr.’s 200,000 shares are worth around $1 million. Kyle Khan-Mullins, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025 But the rate quickly fell back below that level on Thursday — helping the S & P 500 post a four-day winning streak. Fred Imbert, CNBC, 16 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for fallback

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1830, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Verb

1607, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fallback was in 1607

Browse Nearby Words

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fallback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fallback. Accessed 31 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

fall back

verb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!