NYT Dictionary
BILLABONG
/ˈbɪləˌbɔŋ/NounBIL-la-bongbil-la-bong · 3 syllablesGrade 10
Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2026
Meaning
An anabranch, backwater or oxbow lake that is temporarily cut off from the main river, especially one that is only filled with water during the rainy season and can sometimes dry up completely.
Etymology
Origin: Unknown
From Wiradjuri bilabang, likely a compound from Wiradjuri bila (“river”) and Wiradjuri bong or Wiradjuri bung (“dead”).
Synonyms & Antonyms
NYT Puzzle Appearances
Accepted in 1 recorded puzzle, including a pangram: