Showing results for backlist. Search instead for backlift.

backlist

American

[bak-list] / ˈbækˌlɪst /

noun

the books that a publisher has kept in print over several years, as distinguished from newly issued titles.

adjective

Also backlisted. placed or maintained on a backlist.

verb (used with object)

to place on a backlist.

backlist British

/ ˈbækˌlɪst /

noun

a publisher's previously published books that are still available See also front list mid-list

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of backlist

First recorded in 1945–50; back ² + list ¹

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

backlist

The revised name reflected their mission to publish new titles “at random” to complement the backlist.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 30, 2026

Though it’s her job to keep abreast of current books, while on a book tour, Patchett gives herself the luxury of reading backlist.

From Seattle Times ● Aug. 28, 2023

He added that S&S has “never been more profitable and valuable than it is today” and possesses what is currently the bestselling backlist in the publishing industry.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 21, 2022

The merger would have given it Simon & Schuster’s approximately 50 imprints, as well as the company’s vast and valuable backlist of older titles.

From New York Times ● Nov. 21, 2022

What was supposed to be a one-off new novel to revive sales of the backlist was such a hit that the publishers ordered up more – but the lawyers were worried.

From Salon ● Nov. 19, 2022

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

Get a word

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023