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backbencher
[ bak-ben-cher, -ben- ]
/ ˈbækˈbɛn tʃər, -ˌbɛn- /
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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.
QUIZ
SHALL WE PLAY A "SHALL" VS. "SHOULD" CHALLENGE?
Should you take this quiz on “shall” versus “should”? It should prove to be a quick challenge!
Question 1 of 6
Which form is used to state an obligation or duty someone has?
Origin of backbencher
First recorded in 1905–10; back bench + -er1
Words nearby backbencher
backband, backbar, Back Bay, backbeat, back bench, backbencher, backbend, backbite, backblocks, backboard, backboard splint
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use backbencher in a sentence
In other words, Greene’s position as a freshman backbencher in the House should temper the attention she receives.
He was a loud backbencher with very little of the substantive gravity of his old mentor, Chuck Schumer.
One’s a Weiner, the Other a Hero: Why Bill and Hillary Have Nothing in Common With Anthony and Huma|Michael Tomasky|July 25, 2013|DAILY BEASTBut those same beliefs ensure that she would be a perennial senate backbencher in a state accustomed to influence in Washington.
In truth, Gingrich was a backbencher during the Reagan years, lobbing bombshells at the White House in addition to Democrats.
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
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