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

The New York bagel has been widely accepted as the gold standard of the classic breakfast food, and New Yorkers proudly believe that the best bagels come from their own backyard.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 9, 2026

“Many home builders are on board. It’s not just ADUs in the backyard; it can be separate living areas in the main house with its own bedroom and kitchenette,” Lautz said.

From MarketWatch • May 9, 2026

The private backyard offers a seating area, fire pit, and barbecue.

From MarketWatch • May 6, 2026

"If I'm living here, I don't want too many people coming to my backyard."

From Barron's • Apr. 30, 2026

Mamá had taken extra care to decorate the backyard with white ribbons.

From "Summer of the Mariposas" by Guadalupe García McCall

Related Words

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