How to Pronounce Backwater

To pronounce "backwater", say BACKW-at-er — 3 syllables. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

backwater

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Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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3

Syllables

9

Letters

BACKW-at-er

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💡 Tip for remembering “backwater”

"backwater" has 3 syllables: backw-at-er. It rhymes with totter and water, if that helps it stick.

What does backwater mean?

noun

  1. The water held back by a dam or other obstruction
  2. A remote place; somewhere that remains unaffected by new events, progresses, ideas, etc.

verb

  1. To row or paddle a backwater stroke.
  2. To vacillate on a long-held position.

Synonyms

Podunkjerkwater townone-horse town

Hear “backwater” 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 backwater

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

totterwaterrottermaterdaughterbreakwaterslaughterplotterimprimaturblotterunderwaterfreshwater

Related words

eddywashpantryclosetcupboardturbulencewhirlpoolslue

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "backwater"?▾

"Backwater" has 3 syllables: backw · at · er.

What does "backwater" mean?▾

Backwater: The water held back by a dam or other obstruction

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