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.
With the puck in the corner, Suter then backtracked a bit to give himself some space from Walman, took a centering pass from Conor Garland, and one-timed a shot that beat goalie Mackenzie Blackwood high to the glove side. Curtis Pashelka, The Mercury News, 5 Nov. 2024 But in court, the Telsa boss and GOP super donor’s lawyer Chris Gober backtracked, according to Reuters. Ben Kesslen, Quartz, 4 Nov. 2024 The writers were citing assessments included in CARB’s September 2023 regulatory impact report, although the agency has since backtracked on these evaluations. Sharon Udasin, The Hill, 29 Oct. 2024 Revenues and earnings alike are expected to materially backtrack for the full year, and could slide some more (albeit at a slower pace) in 2025. Brett Owens, Forbes, 6 Oct. 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 30 Nov. 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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