back burner

noun

: the condition of being out of active consideration or development
usually used in the phrase on the back burner
back-burner transitive verb

Examples of back burner 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.
When did they get pushed on the back burner? Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 12 Oct. 2025 With data releases put on the back burner, investors looked to minutes from the Federal Reserve’s most recent meeting for clues about the outlook for the economy. Sean Conlon,chloe Taylor, CNBC, 9 Oct. 2025 Some argued the subject is kept on the back burner by the Fed deliberately, and for good reason. Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 21 Sep. 2025 Should Pereira avenge his UFC 313 loss, a potential move to heavyweight would certainly be put on the back burner. MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for back burner

Word History

First Known Use

1943, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of back burner was in 1943

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Cite this Entry

“Back burner.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/back%20burner. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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