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
Examples of backlog in a Sentence
Noun
We have a huge backlog of orders to be filled.
Recent Examples on the Web
Rachel Becker, Los Angeles Times, 12 Feb. 2026
During the 2024 election cycle, the City Council declined to pursue a parcel tax to help fund city parks, which face an infrastructure backlog of more than $500 million.
—Devan Patel, Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2026
Lawrence Mower, Miami Herald, 26 Aug. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for backlog
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Noun
That, too, contributes to the backlog, the spokesperson said.
—Rachel Becker, Los Angeles Times, 12 Feb. 2026
During the 2024 election cycle, the City Council declined to pursue a parcel tax to help fund city parks, which face an infrastructure backlog of more than $500 million.
—Devan Patel, Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
His court date was scheduled for 2027, a date far in the future because of the nation’s immigration courts backlog.
—Lawrence Mower, Miami Herald, 26 Aug. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for backlog
Cite this Entry
“Backlog.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backlog. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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