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

see also fall back on

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
Congress should create a federal fallback option in the ACA that guarantees coverage for people below the federal poverty level, regardless of geography. Jesse Jackson Jr, Washington Post, 4 Feb. 2026 Explainability, determinism, and clear fallback paths matter more than model sophistication in operational environments. Paul Baier, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Verb
When does 2026 daylight saving time spring forward start, DST fall back end? Chris Sims, IndyStar, 5 Feb. 2026 The Boilermakers ended a three-game skid and have plenty of high-end victories to fall back on. Patrick Stevens, Washington Post, 3 Feb. 2026 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 14 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

fall back

verb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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