back number

A musician finds a back number of a music magazine in an attic.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Outdated issue of a periodical: "back number" refers to an old or previous issue of a magazine, journal, or newspaper that is no longer current.
   • Outdated person or thing: In informal usage, "back number" describes someone or something that is considered old-fashioned, obsolete, or no longer relevant.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • I found a back number of National Geographic from 1985 in the attic. (An old issue of the magazine.)
  • My grandfather calls himself a back number because he doesn't understand modern technology. (An outdated person.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be a back number": to be considered old-fashioned or irrelevant.

  • That model of car is a back number now; no one buys it anymore. (The car is obsolete.)

• "back number" as a collective term: can refer to a collection of past issues.

  • The library keeps all its back numbers in a separate archive. (Past issues stored together.)

Variants and Related Words

• Back issue (n): a synonym more commonly used for old magazines or newspapers.

  • I bought a back issue of Time from the 1990s. (An old issue.)

• Back copy (n): another synonym, especially for newspapers.

  • The newsstand sells back copies for half price. (Old copies.)

Synonyms

• Outdated: no longer current or in fashion.
• Obsolete: no longer produced or used; out of date.
• Old-fashioned: preferring or characteristic of past styles or ideas.
• Antiquated: very old or old-fashioned.

Related Idioms

• Old hat: something that is no longer new or interesting.

  • That technology is old hat; everyone uses smartphones now. (Outdated.)

• Behind the times: not aware of or using modern ideas or methods.

  • His teaching methods are behind the times. (Outdated.)

Phrasal Verbs (Not directly applicable)

No common phrasal verbs are formed with "back number" as a fixed phrase.