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."

Example Sentences

In 2021, Middleton began eyeing the Senate seat in his backyard.

From Salon • May 23, 2026

Sarahy Garcia, 49, a nurse in Richmond, volunteered to let University of Texas researchers install an air monitor next to rose bushes in her backyard.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026

“I put a lot of pressure on myself, I practice everyday in the backyard or at Encino or Balboa,” Juarez said.

From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2026

Several of the living spaces open up directly to the backyard, which features a large pool, several entertaining spaces, and ample room for outdoor dining.

From MarketWatch • May 18, 2026

She had let them in the house but immediately went into the backyard to do her gardening, leaving the Baudelaire orphans alone in her glorious library.

From "The Bad Beginning" by Lemony Snicket

Related Words

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