Search Dictionary
Definition of brackish

brackish

/ˈbræk.ɪʃ/
brack · ish
Adverb:brackishly
JUMP TO:

brackish Lexical Profile

brackish Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Slightly salty, as is the mixture of river water and seawater in estuaries.

Example

"Mangrove trees thrive in the brackish waters where the river meets the ocean."

2

Unpleasant or distasteful, especially of liquid or food.

Example

"The travellers were forced to drink the brackish water from the stagnant desert well."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for brackish
Antonyms
View all antonyms for brackish

• Rhymes for brackish

• Nearby Words

bracken
bracket
bracketing
brackish
brad
brag
braggadocious

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the mid-16th century, 'brackish' combines the older noun and adjective 'brack' (meaning salty or briny), borrowed from Middle Low German or Middle Dutch 'brak', with the English suffix '-ish'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Brackish. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/brackish
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.