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
Examples of backlog in a Sentence
Noun
We have a huge backlog of orders to be filled.
Recent Examples on the Web
Jaclyn Diaz, NPR, 22 May 2024
According to research by the Brookings Institution, as of January 2024, there was a backlog of 3.3 million cases in the immigration courts.
—Mike Levin, Orange County Register, 21 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for backlog 
Noun
Inspectors found a backlog of 725 laboratory orders for blood draws or urine collection and 274 pending X-ray orders — leading to medical conditions potentially going undiagnosed.
—Jaclyn Diaz, NPR, 22 May 2024
According to research by the Brookings Institution, as of January 2024, there was a backlog of 3.3 million cases in the immigration courts.
—Mike Levin, Orange County Register, 21 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for backlog
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'backlog.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Articles Related to backlog
Dictionary Entries Near backlog
Cite this Entry
“Backlog.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backlog. Accessed 29 May. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share