English Words Starting With B

• backer

  nounB2
  /ˈbakə/A person, organization, or institution that provides financial support, funding, or sponsorship for a project, venture, person, or cause.
• backer-up

  nounC1
  /ˈbæk.ər ˌʌp/A person or thing that provides support, assistance, or serves as a fallback option in a situation.
• backfall

  nounVery Low
  /ˈbakfɔːl/A fall backwards; a movement or descent onto one's back.
• backfield

  nounC1
  /ˈbakfiːld/The group of players positioned behind the line of scrimmage in American football (specifically the quarterback, running backs, and sometimes a fullback), or the area of the playing field behind this line.
• backfile

  nounLow
  /ˈbak.faɪl/A collection of past documents, records, or issues stored for reference.
• backfill

  nounverbverb-transitiveC1
  /ˈbæk.fɪl/To refill an excavated area with material.
• backfire

  nounverbverb-intransitiveB2
  /ˌbækˈfaɪə(r)/To have the opposite effect to what was intended, causing harm or problems for the person who initiated the action.
• backfist

  nounVery Low (C2+)
  /ˈbæk.fɪst/A specific, technical term for a martial arts strike delivered with the back of the knuckles or the back of the fist, often in a snapping or whipping motion.
• backfit

  verb-transitiveC1
  /ˈbækfɪt/To fit, install, or adapt something into an existing structure or system.
• backflash

  nounLow
  /ˈbækflaʃ/A flashback; a sudden, vivid memory of a past event.
• backflip

  nounverb-intransitiveC1
  /ˈbæk.flɪp/A movement in which a person leaps into the air, rotates backwards in a full circle, and lands on their feet.
• backflow

  nounC1
  /ˈbæk.fləʊ/The flow of a liquid or gas in a direction opposite to its normal or intended path.
• backgammon

  nounverb-transitiveB2
  /ˌbækˈɡæm.ən/A two-player board game played with dice and counters, where the objective is to move all your pieces off the board first.
• background

  adjectivenounverb-transitiveC1
  /ˈbæk.ɡraʊnd/The area, objects, or scenery that are behind the main subject or action; the circumstances or situation prevailing at a particular time or underlying an event.
• background music

  nounB2
  /ˈbæk.ɡraʊnd ˌmjuː.zɪk/Music played quietly and continuously to create a relaxed atmosphere without demanding the listener's full attention.
• background processing

  nounC1
  /ˈbæk.ɡraʊnd ˈprəʊ.ses.ɪŋ/The execution of tasks by a computer without requiring direct user interaction or blocking the main interface.
• background projection

  nounC2
  /ˈbæk.ɡraʊnd prəˈdʒek.ʃən/A technique in theatre, film, and television where a moving or static image is projected onto a screen behind the actors to create the illusion of a real setting.
• backgrounder

  nounC1
  /ˈbæk.ɡraʊn.dər/A detailed report or briefing that provides background information and context on a specific issue or event, typically distributed to journalists or officials.
• backhand

  adjectiveadverbnounverbverb-transitiveB2
  /ˈbæk.hænd/A stroke, especially in tennis or similar racket sports, made with the back of the hand facing the direction of the stroke.
• backhander

  nounC2
  /ˈbækˌhæn.dər/A bribe or a secret payment, often dishonest or illicit, given to influence a decision.

Showing 321–340 of 10030 words.