backbencher

[ bak-ben-cher, -ben- ]

noun

1. any of the members of a legislature, especially of the House of Commons of Great Britain, but not including the leaders of the parties.

backbencher

/ ˈbækˈbɛntʃə /

noun

1. a Member of Parliament who does not hold office in the government or opposition

Word History and Origins

Origin of backbencher¹

First recorded in 1905–10; back bench + -er ¹

Example Sentences

In other words, Greene’s position as a freshman backbencher in the House should temper the attention she receives.

From Washington Post

He was a loud backbencher with very little of the substantive gravity of his old mentor, Chuck Schumer.

From The Daily Beast

But those same beliefs ensure that she would be a perennial senate backbencher in a state accustomed to influence in Washington.

From The Daily Beast

In truth, Gingrich was a backbencher during the Reagan years, lobbing bombshells at the White House in addition to Democrats.

From The Daily Beast