pullback
Americannoun
-
the act of pulling back, especially a retreat or a strategic withdrawal of troops; pullout.
-
that which pulls something back or impedes its forward movement.
-
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 Philippine central bank is widely expected to deliver a rate hike on Thursday as inflation remains uncomfortably strong despite a pullback in May.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 12, 2026
“With these dynamics driving an outsized pullback in shares, we see a more interesting setup emerging as once-lofty optical premiums begin to look more palatable to investors,” wrote analyst Samik Chatterjee.
From Barron's • Jun. 11, 2026
A pullback into the $545-to-$550 range over the coming weeks—12% below current levels—would represent a more attractive area to reassess and potentially re-enter on the long side.
From Barron's • Jun. 11, 2026
Altmann said he’s looking for a total pullback by the S&P 500 of around 6% or 7% — which he sees as possibly halfway done already due to recent drops.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 10, 2026
I've had a hard pullback, but all is not lost.
From Joe's Luck Always Wide Awake by Alger, Horatio
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.
