How to Pronounce Backfiring

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

backfiring

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Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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3

Syllables

10

Letters

BACKF-ir-ing

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💡 Tip for remembering “backfiring”

"backfiring" has 3 syllables: backf-ir-ing. It rhymes with inquiring and inspiring, if that helps it stick.

What does backfiring 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.

noun

  1. A failure that leads to further misfortune.

Hear “backfiring” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with backfiring

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

inquiringinspiringacquiringdesiringsiringrequiringtranspiringretiringspiringsquiringhigheringrewiring

Related words

backlashboomerangreversebackcastfiascoblowbackmisfiremisfiring

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "backfiring"?▾

"Backfiring" has 3 syllables: backf · ir · ing.

What does "backfiring" mean?▾

Backfiring: (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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