English Reference
Noun

backcountry

n. uncountable
B2 Upper Intermediate back·coun·try Geography

n.the remote, wild areas of a country that are far from cities and roads. You usually find these in mountains or forests where people do not live in large numbers.

n.remote, undeveloped, and often mountainous regions of a country. Refers to areas that are not easily accessible by standard transportation routes and are typically characterized by wilderness.


SIMPLE

We spent the weekend hiking in the backcountry.

CONTEXTUAL

The hikers had to carry all their supplies because the backcountry lacks any permanent infrastructure or stores.

COMPLEX

While the national park offers scenic views from the main road, the true wilderness of the backcountry remains accessible only to those willing to navigate steep trails and unpredictable weather.

A 33-year-old woman was rescued along with her climbing partner on Tuesday after she was stung more than 100 times while hiking in the British Columbia backcountry north of Vancouver.

The New York Times· 26 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated