1. a device (as a decorative loop of cord or fabric) for holding or drawing something back - the draperies were drawn to the sides by pullbacks • Syn: tieback • Hypernyms: holding device 2.(military) the act of pulling back (especially an orderly withdrawal of troops) - the pullback is expected to be over 25,000 troops • Derivationally related forms: pull back • Topics: military, armed forces, armed services, military machine, war machine • Hypernyms: withdrawal