ENGLISH DICTIONARY

Backslash

Definition, Meaning & Examples

Pronunciation /ˈbækˌslæʃ/ · Part of speech noun

Quick meaning: Backslash is a noun meaning The punctuation mark \ (a left-leaning diagonal line).

Meaning

The punctuation mark \ (a left-leaning diagonal line).

More Meanings

  1. (computing, rare, proscribed) The punctuation mark /; a slash, forward slash.
  2. (computing, transitive) To escape (a metacharacter) by prepending a backslash that serves as an escape character, thereby forming an escape sequence.

Example Sentences

Also, avoid submenus^([sic]) that can confuse the audience—if you're giving lengthy Web site addresses full of backslashes, shorten it so only the Web site's home page is given.
“So, do what I tell you. Open a browser window and type this in the menu^([sic]) bar: F-T-P colon backslash backslash euronews dot net backslash...” I pecked carefully at the keyboard as he dictated a URL that was about fifty characters long, […]

Word Forms

Synonyms for backslash

Depending on context, synonyms include slosh, whack.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include slash, semicolon, whack, backquote, backtick, slash mark.

Related Dictionary Tools

Sources & Attribution

FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0

Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.