# backbencher

> English word · Noun · frequency rank #74,745

## Definitions
1. A Member of Parliament who does not have cabinet rank, and who therefore sits on one of the backbenches or in one of the back rows of the legislature.
2. A student who does not perform well, especially one who sits at the back of the classroom.
3. A member of a team who does not usually play, but who is held in reserve.
4. Someone who does not play an active role in a process.

## Etymology
From backbench + -er.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/backbencher