backwoods
Americanplural noun
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partially cleared, sparsely populated forests
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any remote sparsely populated place
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(modifier) of, from, or like the backwoods
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(modifier) uncouth; rustic
Etymology
Origin of backwoods
An Americanism dating back to 1700–10; back 1 + woods 1 (in the sense “a forest”)
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.
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
“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
The wealthiest, as well as the poorest, is expected to take part in the administration of backwoods’ justice—at times not strictly en règle with the laws of the land.
From The Death Shot A Story Retold by Reid, Mayne
They were rough backwoods’ boys, and the spirit of my retort pleased them.
From The Quadroon Adventures in the Far West by Reid, Mayne
She is not the only backwoods’ maiden who may be seen thus armed and accoutred: many are even skilled in the use of the deadly weapon!
From The Wild Huntress Love in the Wilderness by Reid, Mayne
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.
