backwash

noun

back·​wash ˈbak-ˌwȯsh How to pronounce backwash (audio)
-ˌwäsh
Synonyms of backwashnext
1
: a backward flow or movement (as of water or air) produced especially by a propelling force
also : the fluid that is moving backward
2
: consequence, aftermath

Synonyms of backwash

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Examples of backwash in a Sentence

a general recession was the backwash of the crisis in the housing market
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The connection between breast backwash and antibody production hasn’t been proven in humans yet, but there are some promising animal studies on the subject—fortunately mouse pups are also guilty of backwashing. — Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 29 July 2026 Recorded following the filming of his latest sci-fi, Ash (whose score is some of FlyLo’s most boilerplate, Stranger-Things-backwash sounding music yet), this short, seven-song EP dips back into the frantic BPMs of his earlier releases to see if there’s any juice left in the cartridge. — Sam Goldner, Pitchfork, 9 Mar. 2026 This backwash, also known as acid reflux, irritates the lining of your esophagus. — Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 3 July 2025 In the early Cretaceous, while the region was a oceanic basin, large amount of tree resin was rapidly swept out from a nearby coast to the open ocean by the backwash from one or more tsunamis. — David Bressan, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for backwash

Word History

First Known Use

1837, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of backwash was in 1837

Rhymes for backwash

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Browse Nearby Words

backward pass
backwash
backwater
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Cite this Entry

“Backwash.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backwash. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

backwash

noun
back·​wash ˈbak-ˌwȯsh How to pronounce backwash (audio)
-ˌwäsh
: backward movement (as of water or air) produced by a propelling force (as the motion of oars)

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