How to Pronounce Backfires

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

backfires

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

If an accent sounds the same, your device is missing that voice — it falls back to the closest one.

Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

Practice: Record & Compare

Record yourself saying backfires, then compare with the target. Your audio stays on this device — nothing is uploaded.

3

Syllables

9

Letters

BACKF-ir-es

Say it like

💡 Tip for remembering “backfires”

"backfires" has 3 syllables: backf-ir-es. It rhymes with friars and desires, if that helps it stick.

What does backfires 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 backfires

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

friarsdesiresinquirestranspirespliersfiresretiresacquiresrequiresdriershomebuyerswires

Related words

backlashboomerangfailuremisfiredscrewupmiscalculatemiscalculatedimplodes

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "backfires"?▾

"Backfires" has 3 syllables: backf · ir · es.

What does "backfires" mean?▾

Backfires: 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.

Want the definition, translations into 8 languages, and read-aloud for full sentences?

Open “backfires” in the full dictionary →