backlog

1 of 2

noun

back·​log ˈbak-ˌlȯg How to pronounce backlog (audio)
-ˌläg
Synonyms of backlognext
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

backlog

2 of 2

verb

backlogged; backlogging; backlogs
: accumulate

Examples of backlog in a Sentence

Noun We have a huge backlog of orders to be filled.
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
However, other analysts have expressed concerns about assuming that take-or-pay legal structures are iron-clad and about equating backlogs with revenue. — Tobias Burns, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026 But a support lead who knew exactly how customers broke the checkout flow could watch that knowledge disappear into a ticket queue while a separate team worked through a backlog. — Jay Singh, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Verb
For instance, applicants from countries such as China and India (registration required) may face lengthier waits due to backlog risks and high demand. — Jill Jones, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026 Many Transportation Security Administration officers have gone unpaid, creating massive security line backlogs at a few major airports, including in Houston. — Dallas Morning News, 9 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for backlog

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1684, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1963, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of backlog was in 1684

Rhymes for backlog

See All Rhymes for backlog

Browse Nearby Words

back-load
backlog
back loop jump
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Backlog.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backlog. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

backlog

noun
back·​log
-ˌlȯg, 
-ˌläg
1
: a large log at the back of a fire in a fireplace
2
: an accumulation of tasks that have not been finished

More from Merriam-Webster on backlog

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for backlog

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of fervid

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

Did 'orange' the fruit or the color come first?
See More

Popular

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
artwork of illustrated limes with the text limes and smile with an arrow connecting the two words
Quiz: Spot the Anagram! Scramble these words to find new words with the e...
See All