backbencher
|back-bench-er|
🇺🇸
/ˈbækˌbɛntʃər/
🇬🇧
/ˈbækˌbentʃə/
member not in leadership
Etymology
'backbencher' originates from English, specifically the compound 'back bench' plus the agentive suffix '-er', describing someone who sits on the back bench.
'back bench' (describing the rear seating in the British Parliament) was used in the 18th–19th centuries; the derived noun 'backbencher' appeared in the late 19th to early 20th century to name individuals who occupied those seats.
Initially it literally described 'one who sits on the back bench in Parliament'; over time it broadened to mean any 'non‑leadership or less influential member' in politics and other organizations.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a member of parliament or legislature who does not hold ministerial office and typically sits on the rear benches; a non‑frontbench member.
As a backbencher, she rarely spoke in cabinet debates but worked on constituency issues.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Noun 2
a person in any organization who is not part of the leadership or executive group; a less prominent or influential member.
In the party meeting he was just another backbencher with no influence over policy.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/12/25 12:30