Word
backyard
Phoneticsback·yard
US/ˈbækˌjɑɹd/
UK/bˈækjɑːd/
Definitions
01garden behind a house
n. a private area of land behind a house, often with grass, trees, or a patio.
n. the enclosed or open area at the rear of a residential property, typically used for recreation or gardening.
“The children are playing with the dog in the backyard while we cook dinner.”
“The property features a spacious backyard with a stone patio, perfect for hosting large family gatherings during the summer months.”
American English
Usage
Commonly used in North America and Australia; British speakers usually say 'back garden'.
Antonyms
02local area
n. the area near where you live or work.
n. the immediate neighbourhood or local vicinity where a person or community resides.
“I don't want a noisy factory being built right in my backyard.”
“Residents often support renewable energy in theory but object when the infrastructure is proposed for their own backyard.”
Informal
Usage
Often used in the phrase 'not in my backyard' (NIMBY) to describe local opposition to new projects.
Teaching tip
This sense is frequently used in political or social discussions regarding local development.
Synonyms
Etymology
From back + yard.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.