# Backs

/ˈbæks/ (US) · /bˈæks/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/backs
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. body parts

noun · CEFR A1

the rear parts of human or animal bodies, from the neck to the waist.

For teachers: the posterior parts of the human or animal body, extending from the neck to the pelvis.

- The swimmers had very strong backs from years of training in the pool.
- The physical therapist noted that many office workers suffer from strained backs due to poor ergonomic setups at their desks.

### 2. rear of objects

noun · CEFR A2

the parts of things that are furthest from the front.

For teachers: the posterior or reverse sides of objects, buildings, or documents.

- Please write your names on the backs of your test papers.
- The artist signed the backs of the canvases to ensure the signatures wouldn't distract from the minimalist compositions.

### 3. supports or helps

verb · CEFR B1

gives help or money to a person, plan, or company.

For teachers: provides support, whether financial, moral, or political, to a person or initiative.

- The local community always backs the school's charity events.
- The venture capital firm typically backs early-stage technology companies that demonstrate high growth potential in emerging markets.

Usage: This is the third-person singular form of the verb.

### 4. moves backwards

verb · CEFR B1

moves a vehicle or person backwards.

For teachers: causes a vehicle or person to move in a reverse direction.

- He carefully backs the car into the garage every evening.
- The driver slowly backs the delivery truck toward the loading dock while the warehouse staff signal the remaining distance.

Usage: Often used with the particle 'up' or 'out'.

## Examples

- He carries a heavy bag on his back every day.
- After sitting at the computer for eight hours, her back felt stiff and sore.
- The athlete suffered a strain in the lower muscles of his back during the final set of the competition, forcing him to withdraw from the remaining events.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.