Definition Definition

Backwater - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'Backwater' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Backwater [ n.]
- Water turned back in its course by an obstruction, an opposing current , or the flow of the tide, as in a sewer or river channel, or across a river bar.
- An accumulation of water overflowing the low lands, caused by an obstruction.
- Water thrown back by the turning of a waterwheel, or by the paddle wheels of a steamer.

Meaning of 'Backwater' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . backwater [ n]
Meaning (1):
- a body of water that was created by a flood or tide or by being held or forced back by a dam
Example in sentence:
  • the bayous and backwaters are breeding grounds for mosquitos
Meaning (2):
- a place or condition in which no development or progress is occurring
Example in sentence:
  • the country is an economic backwater