back burner

noun

: the condition of being out of active consideration or development
—usually used in the phrase on the back burner
back-burner
ˈbak-ˌbər-nər How to pronounce back burner (audio)
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.
By Saturday evening, Gakpo had been convinced about the merits of joining City and had agreed terms, meaning the Ndiaye interest was put on the back burner. — Tim Spiers, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026 While the eventual use of the military can’t be ruled out for a president who values unpredictability, that option is being pushed to the back burner, the people said. — Bloomberg, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026 Meanwhile, a Seattle Seahawks visit appears to be on the back burner months after the team won the Super Bowl. — Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 18 June 2026 Per the insider, Woods has made a point of showing up for his girlfriend while putting his personal matters on the back burner. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 15 June 2026 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

Rhymes for back burner

See All Rhymes for back burner

Browse Nearby Words

back-burn
back burner
back button
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Back burner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/back%20burner. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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