back-checked; back-checking; back-checks

intransitive verb

: to skate back toward one's own goal while closely defending against the offensive rushes of an opposing player in ice hockey

Word History

First Known Use

1913, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of back-check was in 1913

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Back-check.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/back-check. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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