flashback

1 of 2

noun

flash·​back ˈflash-ˌbak How to pronounce flashback (audio)
1
: a recession of flame to an unwanted position (as into a blowpipe)
2
a
: interruption of chronological sequence (as in a film or literary work) by interjection of events of earlier occurrence
also : an instance of flashback
b
: a past incident recurring vividly in the mind

flash back

2 of 2

verb

flashed back; flashing back; flashes back

intransitive verb

1
: to focus one's mind on or vividly remember a past time or incident
usually used with to
flashed back to my childhood
2
: to employ a flashback (as in a film)
usually used with to

Examples of flashback in a Sentence

Noun The character's childhood was described in a series of flashbacks. He's having flashbacks of his days in the war. Verb the scent made me flash back to the days of my mother's home-cooked Sunday dinners
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.
Noun
Fans at home were likely having flashbacks to last year's U.S. Open collapse. Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Apr. 2025 So, Brendle chose to go with flashbacks to better times and a scene where Frieda gets to leave her cell because she is needed to help serve food. Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 15 Apr. 2025
Verb
The movie then flashes back to reveal the unworldly events of the day before. Bill Desowitz, IndieWire, 19 Apr. 2025 Sheryl Crow and LeAnn Rimes Join The Voice as Season 27 Mega Mentors Then, a video flashed back to his blind audition, where Ballerini pleaded to have him on her team. Daniela Avila, People.com, 15 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for flashback

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1903, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1944, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of flashback was in 1903

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Cite this Entry

“Flashback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flashback. Accessed 28 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

flashback

noun
flash·​back ˈflash-ˌbak How to pronounce flashback (audio)
1
: the introduction of a past event into a story or motion picture
also : this past event
2
: a past incident recurring clearly in the mind

More from Merriam-Webster on flashback

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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