backbencher

[ bak-ben-cher, -ben- ]

/ ˈbækˈbɛn tʃər, -ˌbɛn- /

noun

any of the members of a legislature, especially of the House of Commons of Great Britain, but not including the leaders of the parties.

Nearby words

Origin of backbencher

First recorded in 1905–10; back bench + -er¹

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for backbencher

backbencher

/ (ˈbækˈbɛntʃə) /

noun

British, Australian and NZ a Member of Parliament who does not hold office in the government or opposition

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

Word Origin and History for backbencher

backbencher

1874 in the House of Commons sense, from back (adj.) + bench (n.); occupants of the rear seats being the least-prominent politicians.