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boonies

American  
[boo-neez] / ˈbu niz /

noun

(used with a plural verb)
  1. Informal. Usually the boonies boondocks.


Etymology

Origin of boonies

First recorded in 1950–55; see origin at boon(docks), -ie

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.

Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson evoke the small-bore unraveling of new parenthood in the boonies, with Lawrence in particular throwing her whole body into a creeping alienation from one’s spouse and oneself.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 18, 2025

We’re in the boonies of 18th-century Austria, a land of tall, lonely forests and craggy hillsides.

From New York Times • Jun. 20, 2024

Nam: It was a massive compound way out in the boonies!

From Salon • Mar. 15, 2021

In contrast, New York and other older Eastern cities were already overflowing, and courses had to be built in the boonies.

From Golf Digest • Apr. 17, 2020

You had to be away from the boonies for three, maybe four days before you felt rested.

From "Fallen Angels" by Walter Dean Myers

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