Backwater

Alternative forms

• back water
• back-water

Full definition of backwater

Noun

1. The water held back by a dam or other obstruction
2. (idiomatic) A remote place; somewhere that remains unaffected by new events, progresses, ideas, etc.
• 1978, National Opera Association - The Opera Journal page 29It's a volume for those who delight in exploring the backwaters of nineteenth-century opera
3. A rowing stroke in which the oar is pushed forward to stop the boat; see back water

Synonyms

• (small, backwards place) jerkwater town, one-horse town, Podunk
• See

Verb

1. To row or paddle a backwater stroke.
2. (idiomatic) To vacillate on a long-held position.