How to Pronounce Backfired

To pronounce "backfired", say BACKF-ir-ed — 3 syllables. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

backfired

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Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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3

Syllables

9

Letters

BACKF-ir-ed

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💡 Tip for remembering “backfired”

"backfired" has 3 syllables: backf-ir-ed. It rhymes with inquired and tired, if that helps it stick.

What does backfired mean?

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.

Words that rhyme with backfired

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

inquiredtiredinspiredacquiredrequiredwireduninspiredadmiredtranspireddesiredfiredconspired

Related words

blewfailedmissedmisfiredbacktrackedbackpedaledmiscalculatedscrewup

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "backfired"?▾

"Backfired" has 3 syllables: backf · ir · ed.

What does "backfired" mean?▾

Backfired: (of a gun, cannon, Bunsen burner, etc.) To fire in the opposite direction, for example due to an obstruction in the barrel.

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