back seat

noun

variants or less commonly backseat
1
: a seat in the back (as of an automobile)
2
: a secondary or inferior position
… the issues and concerns that have sometimes been given a back seatAl Gore
see also take a back seat

Examples of back seat 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.
This week's economic calendar has some important reports scheduled, but even the Fed's decision on interest rates could take a potential back seat to the election. Jj Kinahan, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 But as the race against former President Trump screeches into its final week, joy has taken the back seat. David Lauter, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2024 Sometimes a good leader takes the back seat and allows others to lead. Hanna Kang, Orange County Register, 4 Oct. 2024 Toward the end of the video, Hopper is seen being escorted and placed in the back seat of a patrol car. Taylor Ardrey, USA TODAY, 24 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for back seat 

Word History

First Known Use

1715, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of back seat was in 1715

Dictionary Entries Near back seat

Cite this Entry

“Back seat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/back%20seat. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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