backbencher

Fetched 2026-10-26 (cache).

Synonyms: backbenches, backbench, backbenchers

Antonyms: backbenches, backbench, backbenchers

Related words from Datamuse; suggestions, not definitions.

Noun

1. {{lb|en|politics}} A [[Member of Parliament]] who does not have [[cabinet]] [[rank]], and who therefore sits on one of the [[backbench]]es or in one of the [[back]] [[row]]s of the [[legislature]].
2. {{lb|en|education}} A [[student]] who does not perform well, especially one who sits at the [[back]] of the [[classroom]].
3. {{lb|en|sports}} A member of a [[team]] who does not usually [[play]], but who is held in reserve.
4. {{lb|en|by extension}} Someone who does not play an active role in a process.

Source: Wiktionary · CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wiktionary dump) · cached copy, not a rewrite.