back burner

noun

: the condition of being out of active consideration or development
usually used in the phrase on the back burner
back-burner transitive verb

Examples of back burner in a Sentence

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.
Those who have a stable job focus on work-life balance, valuing mental health and job flexibility, whereas high pay and career advancement are temporarily put on the back burner. Lieke Ten Brummelhuis, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025 But that is now likely to be put on the back burner with a clear path to freedom in front of them with the parole panel. Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025 The Stanley Cup playoffs were temporarily shunted to the back burner Sunday by the International Ice Hockey Federation World Championships in Stockholm. Steve Silverman, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025 For some that would provide an environment where learning and pushing yourself to take risks would be put on the back burner. Heide Janssen, Orange County Register, 16 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for back burner

Word History

First Known Use

1943, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of back burner was in 1943

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Cite this Entry

“Back burner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/back%20burner. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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