barnyard

American  

[bahrn-yahrd] / ˈbɑrnˌyɑrd /

noun

1. Also called barnlot.  a yard next to or surrounding a barn.

---

adjective

1. of, relating to, or typical of a barnyard.

   barnyard noises; simple paintings of barnyard life.

2. indecent; smutty; vulgar.

   His barnyard humor made us all blush.

barnyard British  

/ ˈbɑːnˌjɑːd /

noun

1. a yard adjoining a barn, in which farm animals are kept

2. (modifier) belonging to or characteristic of a barnyard

3. (modifier) crude or earthy

   barnyard humour

---

Etymology

Origin of barnyard

First recorded in 1505–15; barn ¹ + yard ²

Explanation

A barnyard is a fenced-in area on a farm, usually next to a barn, which sometimes contains goats, chickens, or other farm animals. You can also call a barnyard a "farmyard." On many farms, animals are moved throughout the day from one area to another — in a barn to be milked, or in a pasture to graze on grass, for example. A barnyard gives farmers a place close to farm buildings where animals can be kept safely. In E.B. White's beloved children's book "Charlotte's Web," Wilbur the pig lives out most of his happy life in a barnyard on a small farm.

Example Sentences

Children ages 4 to 8 will think they know what’s coming from the placid, old-timey barnyard setting, where the horse says “neigh” and the cow says “moo.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 12, 2025

One article said, “A pop-up barnyard would be less inappropriate for the neighborhood.”

From Slate • Jul. 17, 2025

I learned the many shades of stink — from barnyard funk to gym sock to overripe fruit — and how to spot the difference.

From Salon • Jul. 6, 2025

Trouble and the rest of the herd spent their days roaming three canyons and being tended to by staff in the animal barnyard.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 15, 2023

Even if you are half barnyard animal, you’re my best friend and I don’t want you to die!

From "The Lightning Thief" by Rick Riordan