hinterland
Americannoun
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Often hinterlands. the remote or less developed parts of a country; back country.
The hinterlands are usually much more picturesque than the urban areas.
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the land lying behind a coastal region.
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an area or sphere of influence in the unoccupied interior claimed by the state possessing the coast.
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an inland area supplying goods, especially trade goods, to a port.
noun
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land lying behind something, esp a coast or the shore of a river
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remote or undeveloped areas of a country
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an area located near and dependent on a large city, esp a port
Etymology
Origin of hinterland
1885–90; < German: literally, hinder land, i.e., land behind
Explanation
The hinterlands are affectionately called "the sticks," or the "boonies," short for "boondocks." Use it to specify an area that is far away from a city or town, or even civilization as we know it. Cell-phone reception and cable television aren't guaranteed. The noun hinterland comes to the English language via Germany: hinter is "behind" + land is, well, "land." It actually refers to the land lying inland — or behind — an ocean coast or river shore, which is why backwaters and hinterlands are used interchangeably. Use hinterlands when you want to make fun of an area's backwardness, or to celebrate its natural beauty: "Coming from the unspoiled hinterlands of Louisiana, she found it hard to adjust to the sights and sounds of the big city."
Vocabulary lists containing hinterland
"The Odyssey" by Homer, Books 8–13
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100 SAT Words Beginning with "H"
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Inherit the Wind
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Her new book, “Red Sands: Reportage and Recipes Through Central Asia, from Hinterland to Heartland,” which slips recipes into keenly observed travelogue, goes farther afield, through kitchens and cafes from Kazakhstan to Tajikistan.
From Washington Post • Jan. 21, 2021
He said Hinterland would reconsider putting The Long Dark on GeForce Now in the future, but right now, he doesn’t like the current situation.
From The Verge • Mar. 2, 2020
The Hinterland event is being staged 50 years after the college for Catholic priests opened near Helensburgh.
From BBC • Mar. 17, 2016
Perhaps a more significant runner for Nicholls on Tuesday is Hinterland, a 16-1 shot for the Arkle, who makes his fencing debut.
From The Guardian • Nov. 5, 2012
"He will make it this time," said Durgo vigorously; "the treasure is certainly hidden in the Hinterland of Nigeria, and when we reach it——" "Yes, when!" scoffed Cyril.
From The Solitary Farm by Hume, Fergus
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
