How to Pronounce Backfire

To pronounce "backfire", say BACKF-ir-e — 3 syllables, IPA /bækˈfaɪə(ɹ)/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

backfire

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Accent

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3

Syllables

8

Letters

/bækˈfaɪə(ɹ)/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “backfire”

"backfire" has 3 syllables: backf-ir-e. It rhymes with inquire and spire, if that helps it stick.

What does backfire mean?

noun

  1. A small, controlled fire set in the path of a larger uncontrolled fire, in order to limit the spread of the large fire by removing its fuel.
  2. An explosion produced either by a running internal combustion engine that occurs in the air intake or exhaust system rather than inside the combustion chamber or unburned fuel or hydrocarbons ignited somewhere in the exhaust system.

noun

  1. A premature explosion in the cylinder of a gas or oil engine during the exhaust or the compression stroke, tending to drive the piston in the wrong direction.
  2. An explosion in the exhaust passages of an internal combustion engine.

verb

  1. (of a gun, cannon, Bunsen burner, etc.) To fire in the opposite direction, for example due to an obstruction in the barrel.
  2. (of an engine) To experience a premature ignition of fuel or an ignition of exhaust gases, making a popping sound.

Synonyms

knockping

Words that rhyme with backfire

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

inquirespireesquirefiretwirerequiresquireinspireaspireexpirequireperspire

Related words

backlashboomerangrebounddefeatfailderailunfireback

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "backfire"?▾

"Backfire" has 3 syllables: backf · ir · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "backfire"?▾

The IPA transcription of "backfire" is /bækˈfaɪə(ɹ)/.

What does "backfire" mean?▾

Backfire: A small, controlled fire set in the path of a larger uncontrolled fire, in order to limit the spread of the large fire by removing its fuel.

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