back matter

noun

, Printing.

1. the parts of a book that appear after the main text, as bibliography, index, and appendixes.

back matter

noun

1. the parts of a book, such as the index and appendices, that follow the main text Also calledend matter

Word History and Origins

Origin of back matter¹

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

That may not get your kids back, but getting yourself back matters, too.

From Washington Post

I am glad that all three of these books focus on the artists’ childhoods — real or imagined — and wisely steer clear of their adult lives, except for some information in the back matter.

From New York Times

The book’s back matter touches lightly on the relationship between Black Americans and Indigenous peoples.

From New York Times

Skip the preachy back matter and you just might motivate a future do-gooder.

From New York Times

Pedagogical back matter is explicitly aimed at young readers but those of any age may find the sequence of events moving.

From New York Times