# backyard

/ˈbækˌjɑɹd/ (US) · /bˈækjɑːd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/backyard
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. garden behind a house

noun · CEFR A2 · American English

a private area of land behind a house, often with grass, trees, or a patio.

For teachers: 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.

Usage: Commonly used in North America and Australia; British speakers usually say 'back garden'.

### 2. local area

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

the area near where you live or work.

For teachers: 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.

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.

## Examples

- The children are playing in the backyard.
- We decided to host a small barbecue in our backyard since the weather was so warm.
- While the front of the house remains formal and manicured, the backyard serves as a private sanctuary where the family grows organic vegetables and keeps a small compost pile.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.