flashback
Flashback (noun) means a scene in a story, film, or book that jumps back to an earlier point in time. Example: “The movie uses a flashback to explain the character's past.”
How to use flashback
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA jump back to an earlier scene in a story, or a sudden vivid memory that feels like reliving the past.
Word forms
flashbacked past tense, flashbacks plural, flashbacks singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The movie uses a _____ to explain the character's past.
Etymology
From flash + back.
Frequently asked questions
What does “flashback” mean?
The word “flashback” means a scene in a story, film, or book that jumps back to an earlier point in time. In plain terms, a jump back to an earlier scene in a story, or a sudden vivid memory that feels like reliving the past.
How do you pronounce “flashback”?
“Flashback” is pronounced FLASH-bak (/ˈflæʃ.bæk/ in IPA).
How do you use “flashback” in a sentence?
Here is “flashback” used in a sentence: “The movie uses a flashback to explain the character's past.”
What part of speech is “flashback”?
“Flashback” is a noun.
Is “flashback” a common word?
“Flashback” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “flashback” have?
“Flashback” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a scene in a story, film, or book that jumps back to an earlier point in time.
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