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

Example Sentences

“The living room wasn’t big enough, and it featured a huge red brick fireplace that had doors on either side of it, leading to the backyard,” said Warwas.

From Los Angeles Times

"I want to turn the author's thoughts into my backyard garden. I want to buy a garden, not cut flowers," he said in a 2009 interview.

From BBC

Change starts internally, with each of us accepting that the only way things will get better is if we tackle challenges in our own backyards.

From The Wall Street Journal

It is also rolling out items that typically don’t fit in stores during the holiday season, such as backyard sheds and indoor saunas.

From The Wall Street Journal

It arrives on your table like a relic from another life—hand-labeled Tupperware, chipped floral plates, backyard block parties—but somehow manages to feel both nostalgic and slightly scandalous.

From Salon

Related Words

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