# backstop

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈbæk.stɒp/ · frequency rank #46,921

## Definitions
1. An object or a person put in the rear or in the back of something to reinforce, hold, support.
2. A default arrangement that holds if all else fails.
3. A wall or fence behind home plate.
4. A catcher; the position of catcher.
5. The player who stands immediately behind the striking base.
6. The longstop.
7. The wicket-keeper.
8. Something serving to bolster or support a cover story etc.

## Etymology
From back + stop.

## Easily confused with
- **backstory** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/backstop-vs-backstory)
- **backdrop** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/backdrop-vs-backstop)

## Common misspellings (13)
`abckstop`, `bacckstop`, `backkstop`, `backsotp`, `backsstop`, `backstopp`, `backstpo`, `backsttop`, `backtsop`, `bacsktop`, `bakcstop`, `bbackstop`, `bcakstop`

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