backwoods

American  

[bak-woodz] / ˈbækˈwʊdz /

noun

1. (often used with a singular verb) wooded or partially uncleared and unsettled districts.

2. any remote or isolated area.

   Synonyms:

   backwater, bush, boonies, boondocks, woodland, wild, hinterland

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adjective

1. of or relating to the backwoods.

2. unsophisticated; uncouth.

backwoods British  

/ ˈbækwʊdz /

plural noun

1. partially cleared, sparsely populated forests

2. any remote sparsely populated place

3. (modifier) of, from, or like the backwoods

4. (modifier) uncouth; rustic

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Etymology

Origin of backwoods

An Americanism dating back to 1700–10; back ¹ + woods ¹ (in the sense “a forest”)

Example Sentences

“Colonel P— was a splendid specimen of the backwoods’ gentleman—you will admit there are gentlemen in the backwoods.”

From The Hunters' Feast Conversations Around the Camp Fire by Reid, Mayne

Surely in the long hereafter, when they reckon up the good deeds in each life, the reaping of this little backwoods' farmer will be a glorious one, for he sowed a mighty harvest of love.

From The Story of Garfield Farm-boy, Soldier, and President by Rutherford, William G.

This is the usual manner of making the crane among backwoods’ travellers, who cook their meals in the open air.

From The Desert Home The Adventures of a Lost Family in the Wilderness by Reid, Mayne

A traveller passing through the backwoods’ settlements will often hear this singular call sounding afar off in the stillness of the evening.

From The Hunters' Feast Conversations Around the Camp Fire by Reid, Mayne

"Well," Edith Phelps insisted, "this Ruth Fielding was so petted at that backwoods' school where she has been that I suppose there will be no living in the same house with her."

From Ruth Fielding At College or The Missing Examination Papers by Emerson, Alice B.

Related Words

• backcountry
• outback