back room

American  

Or backroom

noun

1. a room located in the rear, especially one used only by certain people.

2. a place where powerful or influential persons, especially politicians, meet to plan secretly or from which they exercise control in an indirect manner.

   The candidate for mayor was chosen in the precincts' back rooms.

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back room British  

noun

1. 1. a place where research or planning is done, esp secret research in wartime

   2. ( as modifier )

      back-room boys

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Etymology

Origin of back room

First recorded in 1585–95

Example Sentences

"It means fewer orders," says one trader over tea in a back room office.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

He’s heavier than the largest T. Rex ever unearthed, so huge that his magnificent tusks and skull had to be stored separately, in a back room.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 26, 2026

Gavin Vaughan, Scotland's chief analyst and a long-time part of Townsend's back room, is reportedly joining the club, external as head of recruitment at the end of the Six Nations.

From BBC • Feb. 13, 2026

Uncertainty around Najee Harris’ return still looms, creating a domino effect in the running back room.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 22, 2025

Due to the stench and what our mother referred to as "one small scrap of dignity," my sisters and I rarely entered the back room.

From "Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris