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

There’s also seamless flow between these spaces, such as the kitchen and dining room nearby and the primary bedroom’s access to the backyard.

From MarketWatch • May 21, 2026

“I’m not trying to ban backyard barbeques,” Raman said at her event Wednesday.

From Los Angeles Times • May 20, 2026

Perry was found dead in his backyard jacuzzi in southern California in October 2023.

From BBC • May 13, 2026

But when Dad came out into the backyard, no matter how hard Jonah tried, he couldn’t keep from looking toward the broken window.

From "Found" by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Related Words

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