Dictionary

Explore meaning, context, and usage with an online dictionary experience optimized for multilingual workflows.

Clear

Try these words

Meaning of backformation

Source language: EnglishDictionary language: English

backformation

noun

Definitions

  1. The process by which a new word is formed from an older word by interpreting the former as a derivative of the latter, often by removing a morpheme (real or perceived) from the older word, such as the verb burgle, formed by removing -ar (perceived as an agent-noun suffix) from burglar.

  2. A word created in this way.

    Example: Back-formations, such as "tambour" (for "play the tambourine"), are a staple of comedic wordplay.