backward compatible

adjective

variants or less commonly backwards compatible

: compatible with older equipment or previous versions of software

Dolby Digital is backward compatible and supports earlier versions of Dolby such as Pro Logic.—

Consumer Reports

backward compatibility noun

or less commonly backwards compatibility

Examples of backward compatible in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Nintendo's next-gen Switch console will be backward compatible with the Switch, the company says in its latest earnings report. —

Jibin Joseph, PCMAG, 6 Nov. 2024 The temperature sensor is also available separately for $40 (three for $100) and is backward compatible with older Nest Thermostats. —

Nena Farrell, WIRED, 6 Aug. 2024 The load-time savings are smaller (but still noticeable) when playing backward compatible PS4 games installed on the PS5’s internal storage. —

Kyle Orland, Ars Technica, 30 May 2024 The consensus among leaks and rumors is that the Switch 2 will be completely backward compatible with the original Switch. —

Will Greenwald, PCMAG, 5 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for backward compatible

Word History

First Known Use

1975, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of backward compatible was in 1975

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Backward compatible.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backward%20compatible. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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