background processing

noun

The execution of a subsidiary operation by a computer while the user works with another application.

Similar
backgrounding
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Meanings

nounbackground processing (uncountable)
  1. uncountablecomputingThe execution of a subsidiary operation by a computer while the user works with another application.

Synonyms & antonyms

nounthe execution of low priority programs while higher priority programs are not using the processing system

Similar
backgrounding
Broader
priority processing
Also see
backgrounding

Synonym sets from Open English WordNet, CC BY 4.0.

Origin

background + processing

Full word history & related roots →

Translations

Esperanto fona reĝimo
  • fona reĝimocomputer background processing
Portuguese processamento em segundo plano, processamento em plano de fundo
  • processamento em segundo planocomputer background processing
  • processamento em plano de fundocomputer background processing
Cite this entry
APA

background processing. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 2, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/background%20processing

MLA

“background processing.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/background%20processing. Accessed November 2, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “background processing,” accessed November 2, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/background%20processing.

Source: background processing on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.