1
informal
a
: the part of the body that a person sits on : buttocks
I slid down on my backside, heaving or rowing myself with my arms and using my good leg for steering …—
Oliver Sacks
Oliver Sacks
b
: the part of the body of a four-legged animal corresponding to the buttocks : rump sense 1a
… admits she hit the dog's backside but denies hitting it on the head.—Ann Krueger
Ann Krueger2
or back side
: the side or surface opposite the front or face of something : the farthest or reverse side : back
A tight, rocky couloir drops down the backside of the peak …—Mike Beaudry
Mike BeaudryThe guy with the clipboard pulled me over, pointed to an innocuous little knob on the back side of the engine and said it's part of the computer and needs to be replaced.—Tom and Ray Magliozzi
Tom and Ray Magliozzi3
or back side
a
: the side opposite the homestretch on a racecourse : backstretch
When challenged on the backside the final time around, Tudor Palm would have no part of it, and burst to the lead again.—Jackie Burke
Jackie Burke
b
: the part of a playing field or court (as in football or basketball) that is away from where the main action or play is occurring
—often used before another noun
a backside tackle
c
: the final 9 holes of an 18-hole golf course
The duo had a little trouble on the backside, though, as they bogeyed the par-3 11th hole.—Brian Girasoli
Brian GirasoliExamples of backside in a Sentence
our backsides were sore after sitting on those hard benches for so long
Recent Examples on the Web
For buildup on the backside of the knobs, try using a toothbrush to get into the tight spaces.
—Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 10 July 2025
The Android device, which was priced at $579 for the unlocked entry version, had a rounded backside and pioneering voice control feature.
—Verne Kopytoff, Fortune, 5 July 2025
Also: During the first morning training after D. Wayne Lukas' death, Churchill Downs backside workers paid tribute to the legendary trainer and carried on his legacy.
—Ray Padilla, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025
Its roomy design is meant to cover your hips and backside.
—Nicol Natale, People.com, 14 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for backside
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Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 10 July 2025
The Android device, which was priced at $579 for the unlocked entry version, had a rounded backside and pioneering voice control feature.
—Verne Kopytoff, Fortune, 5 July 2025
Also: During the first morning training after D. Wayne Lukas' death, Churchill Downs backside workers paid tribute to the legendary trainer and carried on his legacy.
—Ray Padilla, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025
Its roomy design is meant to cover your hips and backside.
—Nicol Natale, People.com, 14 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for backside
Cite this Entry
“Backside.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backside. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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