backstreet

noun

back·​street ˈbak-ˈstrēt How to pronounce backstreet (audio)
often attributive
: a street away from the main thoroughfares

Examples of backstreet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Like Cristian Mungiu’s 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days, the drama emphasizes the risks of backstreet terminations as well as the shame and expense that prevent access. Stephen Farber, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Sep. 2024 Bodrum town center is known for its harbor and narrow backstreets full of merchants and bars. Cuneyt Dil, Axios, 8 Sep. 2024 The British chef was based out of a little house in the backstreets (one my dad pointed out to me on one of our sunrise strolls) and visited businesses around town on screen (including popping in to see Patrick at Bar Tabac des Alpilles). Sarah James, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Aug. 2024 To get us to the sketchy backstreets of our comfort zones. Murr Brewster, The Christian Science Monitor, 24 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for backstreet 

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of backstreet was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near backstreet

Cite this Entry

“Backstreet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backstreet. Accessed 17 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on backstreet

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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