backbencher

Definition

A Member of Parliament who does not have cabinet rank, and who therefore sits on one of the backbenches or in one of the back rows of the legislature.

Etymology

From backbench + -er.

Example Sentences

• "Classmates naturally turn to look at the backbencher, who must acknowledge his presence, with some embarrassment."
• "The teacher also gets an idea of the "backbenchers" or the slow students since he can see which desk is still to send an answer."
• "When I was in a primary school, I was a backbencher student."