1. mature male gorillas with distinctive silver-gray hair on their backs
2. older, experienced leaders or authority figures
Usage: informal

Examples

• The silverbacks led their gorilla troops through the dense forest.
• Mountain gorillas are protected, especially the dominant silverbacks.
• The zoo’s silverback weighed over 400 pounds.
• Wildlife photographers hope to capture images of silverbacks in their natural habitat.
• The company’s silverbacks resisted the new technology changes.
• Young employees looked to the silverbacks for guidance and mentorship.