front-end
1 of 2adjective
ˈfrənt-ˌend 
1
: relating to, occurring in, or required at the beginning of an undertaking or business transaction
no front-end charge at the time of investment
He pays close attention to financial matters and can speak the language of "front-end money," "back-end money" and the rest of it.
Erik Hedegaard
compare back-end sense 1 Erik Hedegaard2
computing : visible to the user of a device or service
a front-end application/interface
compare back-end sense 2 front end
2 of 2noun
plural front ends
1
: the front part or section of something
Soon the front end of the ship began to go down and down, faster and faster—till the boat looked almost as though it were standing on its head. Hugh Lofting
Hugh Lofting2
computing
a
: a unit in a computer system devoted to controlling the data communications link between terminals and the main computer and often to the preliminary processing of data
b
: a software interface (such as a graphical user interface) designed to enable user-friendly interaction with a computer
… you'll want to use this well-designed, easy-to-use front end for Windows' obscure command-line tools. Edward Mendelson
compare back end sense 3 Edward Mendelson3
: the initial part or period of a business arrangement or financial undertaking
Once a record company has sunk a lot of money on the front end of a project, with big-name producers and an expensive video, she says, "They're afraid of spending money on anything else." Mimi Valdés
Mimi ValdésIn sum, the initiative aims to force … residents to pay more of their own fire protection expenses, and to pay those expenses on the front end. David Sirota
compare back end sense 2 David Sirota
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 25 July 2022 With its extra-long nose, long wheelbase, straight belt line, sharp sleek front end, huge rear wing and a rear brake light design that resembles that of the Porsche Taycan, the GR GT3 looks more than ready for the race track as is. Peter Lyon, Forbes, 27 Jan. 2022 The new Integra's looks are starting to congeal thanks to this photo and an earlier teaser showing the headlight and front end. Joey Capparella, Car and Driver, 28 Sep. 2021 The vehicle, which had a Connecticut plate number of AW64774 and a smashed front end, was last seen on I-91 South by Exit 35. Amanda Blanco, courant.com, 28 Sep. 2021 As practiced by the German contact-tracing app, any passport application’s back end and front end need to be fully open source and penetration-tested by security experts to build public trust. Laurin Weissinger, The Conversation, 23 Mar. 2021 Colleges are paid on the front end, and government is now writing off the cost on the back end. The Editorial Board, WSJ, 25 Aug. 2022 The teaser shows the front end of the concept, which is painted in a vivid shade of blue. Caleb Miller, Car and Driver, 11 Aug. 2022 Troopers said the Honda’s passenger-side struck the front end of a westbound 2003 Dodge driven by a 73-year-old Fouke man. Arkansas Online, 8 July 2022 See More
Noun
But Kentucky missed the technical free throw and the front end of the one-and-one. Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 25 July 2022 With its extra-long nose, long wheelbase, straight belt line, sharp sleek front end, huge rear wing and a rear brake light design that resembles that of the Porsche Taycan, the GR GT3 looks more than ready for the race track as is. Peter Lyon, Forbes, 27 Jan. 2022 The new Integra's looks are starting to congeal thanks to this photo and an earlier teaser showing the headlight and front end. Joey Capparella, Car and Driver, 28 Sep. 2021 The vehicle, which had a Connecticut plate number of AW64774 and a smashed front end, was last seen on I-91 South by Exit 35. Amanda Blanco, courant.com, 28 Sep. 2021 As practiced by the German contact-tracing app, any passport application’s back end and front end need to be fully open source and penetration-tested by security experts to build public trust. Laurin Weissinger, The Conversation, 23 Mar. 2021 Colleges are paid on the front end, and government is now writing off the cost on the back end. The Editorial Board, WSJ, 25 Aug. 2022 The teaser shows the front end of the concept, which is painted in a vivid shade of blue. Caleb Miller, Car and Driver, 11 Aug. 2022 Troopers said the Honda’s passenger-side struck the front end of a westbound 2003 Dodge driven by a 73-year-old Fouke man. Arkansas Online, 8 July 2022 See More Word History
First Known Use
Adjective
1962, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Noun
1675, in the meaning defined at sense 1