front end

¹

[ fruhnt end ]

noun

1. the front part of something:

   The frame, front end, and handlebars are all constructed from alloy tubing.

2. the earlier part of a process or span of time:

   Faculty members hope to be included at the front end of these new initiatives, rather than only in the final implementation.

3. Sometimes front·end. Computers. the parts of a computer program, website, system, network, etc., that the user can see or directly interact with:

   Our simple front end is designed so customers and users can easily navigate toward the information and products you want them to see.

   What front end do you use for your point-of-sale system?

4. the part of an organization or process that operates in the foreground or in the public view:

   Working the front end at a grocery store I did everything from cashier to fetching carts from the parking lot.

front-end

²

[ fruhnt-end ]

adjective

1. being or relating to the front part of something:

   The vehicle had significant front-end damage and a smashed windshield.

2. happening or (of costs) incurred earlier in a process or in a span of time:

   One of the real problems with solar energy is the front-end cost.

   The time you invest in front-end planning will pay off in the later stages of the project.

3. Also front·end. Computers. being or relating to those parts of a computer program, website, system, network, etc., that the user can see or directly interact with:

   Changes in the system architecture allowed for a much simpler front-end interface.

   I’ve been teaching website design and front-end development for about six years.

4. being or relating to the part of an organization or process that operates in the foreground or in the public view:

   In my last job, I oversaw front-end operations and supervised up to 20 cashiers and baggers.

front-end

adjective

1. (of money, costs, etc) required or incurred in advance of a project in order to get it under way

Word History and Origins

Origin of front end¹

First recorded in 1670–80

Origin of front end²

First recorded in 1935–40, in reference to electronics

Example Sentences

It hits the front end of the supply chain process, Estrada said.

From Los Angeles Times

“But I truly believe this is the right step for making sure that the criminal action on the front end is stopped.”

From New York Times

Photos of the scene posted by KTLA-TV show the police SUV crashed into a pole, its front end severely damaged as an overturned bike and scooters lay amid debris on a sidewalk.

From Los Angeles Times

On the front end, we try to make sure that we complete interviews with a representative sample of Americans.

From New York Times

The front end of the 18-wheeler was damaged and covered with debris from the front doors of the office.

From Seattle Times