plan B

or Plan B

noun

1. a strategy or plan to be implemented if the original one proves impracticable or unsuccessful.

Word History and Origins

Origin of plan B¹

First recorded in 1975–80; from the assumption that the original plan is “plan A”

Example Sentences

TikTok users posted videos about panic-buying Plan B, contraception, and other women’s health care items.

From Slate

Rather than slapdash plans for protests, there are more calls for self-care and self-preparation, like stocking up on Plan B and gender-affirming hormones.

From Slate

“I’m your Republican congressman. Now that we’re in charge, we banned Plan B.”

From Los Angeles Times

Campus chapters of Generation Action, a student pro-choice group associated with Planned Parenthood’s advocacy arm, have been giving out free Plan B—the morning-after pill—at events like this one across the state.

From Slate

If DeSantis doesn’t suppress enough speech and enough votes to stop Amendment 4 at the ballot box, he’s got a Plan B to make sure Floridians never, ever get their reproductive rights back.

From Slate

Related Words

• contingency