backyard

American  

[bak-yahrd] / ˈbækˈyɑrd /

noun

1. the portion of a lot or building site behind a house, structure, or the like, sometimes fenced, walled, etc.

2. a familiar or nearby area; neighborhood.

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Etymology

Origin of backyard

First recorded in 1650–60; back ¹ + yard ²

Explanation

The area behind your house, especially if it's covered in grass or other plants, is a backyard. Some people have decks or patios in their backyard. If you live in a city, you'll consider yourself lucky to have a tiny backyard where you can sit on a sunny day. In the suburbs, houses often have identical, fenced-in backyards. And in the country, your backyard might extend for acres. The word is sometimes hyphenated, back-yard, or spelled as two separate words. It's been in use since the 1600s, combining back and yard, from the Old English geard, "enclosure, garden, or court."

Related Words

• courtyard
• garden
• grass
• lawn
• patio
• terrace
• yard