plan B
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of plan B
First recorded in 1975–80; from the assumption that the original plan is “plan A”
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.
“We always spoke about plan B, but actually plan B is not enough on its own anymore,” says Dominic Volek, Henley’s group head of private clients.
From Barron's ● Jun. 19, 2026
But after she and a colleague were denied raises in 2020, the final setback in a string of frustrations, she started looking for a plan B.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 7, 2026
For that reason, you should have a plan A, plan B and plan C, and write down the pros and cons of each one.
From MarketWatch ● Jan. 21, 2026
John Conca, an analyst at investment research firm Third Bridge, agreed that the pressure will be on Paramount and Comcast to come up with a plan B if Netflix succeeds with its offer.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 5, 2025
We change plans, go to plan B, interrupt conversations, go back on promises depending on his moods, his whims, his needs.
From "Wonder" by R. J. Palacio
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
