How do you pronounce "backwater"?

In American English: /ˈbæˌkwɔtɝ/ (BA-kwawt-ur). In British English: /bˈakwɔːtə/ (B-akw). In Canadian English: /ˈbæˌkwɔtɝ/ (BA-kwawt-ur). In Australian English: /bˈakwɔːtə/ (B-akw).

Is "backwater" pronounced differently in American and British English?

Yes. In American English it's pronounced /ˈbæˌkwɔtɝ/ (BA-kwawt-ur), while in British English it's /bˈakwɔːtə/ (B-akw).

How to Pronounce "backwater"

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backwater

regional

/ˈbæˌkwɔtɝ/

BA-kwawt-ur

Syllable Breakdown

bæback·kwɔtwa·ɝter

Source

80%confidence📘 CMU Pronouncing Dictionary v0.7b

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Last updated: 2026-02-14