backwater

noun

back·​wa·​ter ˈbak-ˌwȯ-tər How to pronounce backwater (audio)
-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)

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 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'backwater.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1629, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of backwater was in 1629

Dictionary Entries Near backwater

Cite this Entry

“Backwater.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backwater. Accessed 31 May. 2023.

Kids Definition

backwater

noun
back·​wa·​ter ˈbak-ˌwȯt-ər How to pronounce backwater (audio)
-ˌwät-
1
: water held or turned back from its course
2
: a backward place or condition
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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