Word.ws English Dictionary

washback

washback noun: the way that tests affect how learners acquire and use a language.

Noun (1)

washback (uncountable)

  1. The way that tests affect how learners acquire and use a language.
    Synonyms:
    backwash

Noun (2)

washback (plural washbacks)

  1. A large vessel used for fermentation in a distillery.

Synonyms of washback

Forms of washback

pluralwashbacks

Origin of washback

From wash + back.

From wash + back. See back (“a large shallow vat”).

Words formed from washback

Questions about washback

What does washback mean?
Washback means the way that tests affect how learners acquire and use a language.
What part of speech is washback?
Washback is a noun.
What is the plural of washback?
The plural of washback is washbacks.

Words near washback in the dictionary

  1. washashores
  2. washateria
  3. washaterias
  4. washaway
  5. washaways
  6. washback
  7. washback effect
  8. washbacks
  9. washbag
  10. washbags
  11. washball

Source and license

Adapted from Wiktionary: washback (page history and authors). Text available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 license. Word.ws reformatted the entry and added links. Wiktionary data of 2026-09-02.

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Cite this entry: “washback.” Word.ws, https://word.ws/washback. Based on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.