back load

1 of 2

noun

: a load or burden carried or suitable to be carried on the back

a back load of firewood

back-load

2 of 2

transitive verb

ˈbak-ˌlōd 

variants or backload

back-loaded or backloaded; back-loading or backloading; back-loads or backloads

: to assign (costs or benefits) to the late stages of something (such as a contract, project, or time period)

… in recent years, most carriers have "back-loaded" their expense charges. That means they sock you with expenses when you drop your policy …

—Consumer Reports, August 1993

But the tax cut is backloaded, meaning that they won't reap most of the benefits for years.

—James Surowiecki, New Yorker, 23 Apr. 2001

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1725, in the meaning defined above

Transitive Verb

1976, in the meaning defined above

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now