backwater

noun

back·​wa·​ter ˈbak-ˌwȯ-tər 

-ˌwä-

1

a

: water backed up in its course by an obstruction, an opposing current, or the tide

b

: a body of water (such as an inlet or tributary) that is out of the main current of a larger body

2

a

: an isolated or backward place or condition

b

: an unpopular or unimportant field (as of study or business)

Synonyms

• backcountry
• backland(s)
• backwoods
• bush
• frontier
• hinterland
• outback
• outlands
• up-country

Example Sentences

The once sleepy backwater is now a thriving city.

a distant backwater that didn't even have electricity at that time

Recent Examples on the Web

Ideal would be on a houseboat in Kerala, motoring down the backwaters with my own cook and boatman and sipping toddy; or else under an umbrella at some warm beach while digitally disconnected. —New York Times, 27 Apr. 2023

More:Climate change imperils the upper Mississippi River backwaters. —Paul A. Smith, Journal Sentinel, 16 Apr. 2023

The documents were online for months in the backwaters of the Internet before becoming visible to millions last week. —BostonGlobe.com, 13 Apr. 2023

Those who would like to explore the area's rich culture are in luck, because The Leela has a variety of experiences on offer, including diving and fishing, hiking the lush Ponmudi hills, rafting in Kerala's famous backwaters, and local tours of temples, villages, and markets. —Dobrina Zhekova, Travel + Leisure, 20 Mar. 2023

From Pickwick Lake, anglers report that flooded backwater areas are still producing some topwater largemouths early in the day, but otherwise most fish are on the edges of the drop. —Frank Sargeant, al, 21 May 2021

The high-flow experiment, if successful, should help rebuild beaches along the river and create natural backwaters for fish. —Shaun Mckinnon, The Arizona Republic, 24 Apr. 2023

According to Alfredo Torres, a Watsonville resident who grew up in Pajaro, the smaller Monterey County town is considered the backwater of the area. —Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2023

Something else that's impacting the backwaters is the fact that the river is highly engineered. —Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 8 Mar. 2023

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Word History

First Known Use

1629, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

backwater

noun

back·​wa·​ter ˈbak-ˌwȯt-ər 

-ˌwät-

1

: water held or turned back from its course

2

: a backward place or condition