pullback
Americannoun
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the act of pulling back, especially a retreat or a strategic withdrawal of troops; pullout.
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that which pulls something back or impedes its forward movement.
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Machinery. a device for pulling a moving part to its original position.
Etymology
Origin of pullback
First recorded in 1585–95; noun use of verb phrase pull back
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.
The S&P 500 may be only a few percentage points shy of record territory, but a sharp pullback in semiconductors and other hot artificial-intelligence stocks have shaken up many investors.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 25, 2026
Prospects for sales growth and hiring expectations remain below long-term average, while firms’ suggested a pullback in investment, perhaps tied to increased trade uncertainty.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 21, 2026
To Michael Lebowitz, a portfolio manager at RIA Advisors, the recent sharp pullback in semiconductor names and other hot AI-linked stocks suggests some are beginning to doubt the durability of the AI investment boom.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 19, 2026
The world could be looking at a sharp pullback in growth that hits both rich and poor countries alike, according to one scenario included in the fund’s fall projections.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 16, 2026
I've had a hard pullback, but all is not lost.
From Joe's Luck Always Wide Awake by Horatio Alger
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
