backlog

1 of 2

noun

back·​log ˈbak-ˌlȯg 

-ˌläg

1

: a large log at the back of a hearth fire

2

: an accumulation of tasks unperformed or materials not processed

a backlog of court cases

backlog

2 of 2

verb

backlogged; backlogging; backlogs

: accumulate

Examples of backlog in a Sentence

Noun

We have a huge backlog of orders to be filled.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Children are never too young to become Swifties, which is why one mom has delighted the internet by educating her four kids on the singer's backlog of music videos (AKA theatrical masterpieces). —Alyce Collins, Newsweek, 18 Dec. 2024

That’s little comfort for a backlog of families in need of services and suffering the consequences, including 11,711 young children in New York City last fiscal year. —Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 15 Dec. 2024

Verb

For the 2024 tax season, Collins urged the IRS to make clearing up its identity theft backlog a higher priority. —Michelle Singletary, Washington Post, 12 Jan. 2024

Related:Infractions backlog likely to push Louisville basketball's case into a sixth year NCAA's Complex Case Unit's allegations against Louisville men's basketball: 1. —Tim Sullivan, The Courier-Journal, 28 Mar. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1684, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1963, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

backlog

noun

back·​log

-ˌlȯg,

-ˌläg

1

: a large log at the back of a fire in a fireplace

2

: an accumulation of tasks that have not been finished