backside

noun

back·​side ˈbak-ˌsīd 

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

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

2

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

The 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

3

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

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

Synonyms

• behind
• booty [slang]
• bootie
• bottom
• breech
• bum
• buns
• butt
• buttocks
• caboose
• can
• cheeks
• derriere
• derrière
• duff
• fanny
• fundament
• hams
• haunches
• heinie [slang]
• hunkers
• keister [slang]
• keester
• nates
• posterior
• rear
• rear end
• rump
• seat
• tail
• tail end
• tush [slang]

Examples of backside in a Sentence

our backsides were sore after sitting on those hard benches for so long

Recent Examples on the Web

For the best moisture absorption, mist greenery stems on the backside of your wreath. —Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Dec. 2024

There will also be humor: The backside of the outer packaging is called The Daily Dump, a mock newspaper. —Jayme Moye, Outside Online, 19 Nov. 2024

Garcia’s other family members in her room noticed an odor coming from her, then turned her over and saw a loose bandage on her backside that was beginning to peel back. —Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 28 Oct. 2024

Find it on Amazon Maximize Unused Air-Space With This Hanging Laundry Hamper Made of washable Oxford fabric, this Hanging Laundry Hamper has a unique backside zipper for quick unloading. —Claire Rutter, Rolling Stone, 22 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

backside

noun

back·​side ˈbak-ˈsīd 

informal

: buttock sense 2a

Medical Definition

backside

noun

back·​side -ˌsīd 

: buttocks

—often used in plural