backlog
UK /ˈbak(ˌ)lɔɡ/ · US /ˈbæk(ˌ)lɔɡ/ noun, verb
Forms backlogs backlogging backlogged
- noun A large log to burn at the back of a fire.
- noun A reserve source or supply.
- noun An accumulation or buildup, especially of unfilled orders, unconsumed products or unfinished work. “He went to work on Saturday to try to work through the backlog of papers on his desk.”
- noun A log containing text previously read, as in text-based video games or chat rooms.
- verb (ambitransitive) To acquire something as a backlog, or to become a backlog
Synonyms
Etymology
From back + log. 1680s; originally a large log at the back of a fire. Figurative sense from 1880s, meaning "something stored up for later use". Possibly influenced by logbook as well.
Webster’s 1913
Etymology [Back, a. + log.]
Sources: Wiktionary · WordNet 3.0 · Webster’s 1913 — from the Wiktionary entry “backlog”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details