back number

noun

1
: an issue (as of a magazine) preceding the current one
2
: something that is out of date
the building has become a back number in construction and designLee Graham

Word History

First Known Use

1812, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of back number was in 1812

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Dictionary Entries Near back number

Cite this Entry

“Back number.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/back%20number. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

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