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Definition of backslash

backslash

/ˈbæk.slæʃ/
back · slash
Plural:backslashes
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backslash Lexical Profile

backslash Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A backward-sloping diagonal typographical mark (\), used chiefly in computing to separate directory names in file paths or to introduce escape sequences in programming.

Example

"Make sure to use a backslash rather than a forward slash when typing a local file path in the Windows command prompt."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for backslash
Antonyms
View all antonyms for backslash

Word Nuance & Usage

In everyday speech, "backslash" is frequently misspoken when referring to the standard forward slash (/) used in web addresses; a true backslash (\) leans backward toward the left and is used primarily in Windows file paths and computer programming.

• Nearby Words

backseat
backside
backslapping
backslash
backslide
backslider
backsliding

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in 1961 by computer scientist Bob Bemer, who introduced the character (\) into the ASCII character set so that the logical operators of the ALGOL programming language could be represented alongside the standard slash.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Backslash. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/backslash
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