# rear

/ˈɹɪɹ/ (US) · /ɹˈiə/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/rear
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. the back part

noun · CEFR B1

the back part of something, such as a car, a building, or a line of people.

For teachers: the back or hindmost part of an object, structure, or formation.

- The garden is located at the rear of the house, away from the noisy street.
- The delivery truck was forced to park at the rear of the warehouse because the main entrance was blocked by construction equipment.

### 2. the buttocks

noun · CEFR B2 · Formal

a polite or slightly formal word for a person's bottom.

For teachers: the buttocks or posterior of a human body; often used as a euphemism in medical or formal contexts.

- The doctor asked the patient to lie on their side and relax their rear.
- He slipped on the icy pavement and landed squarely on his rear, much to the amusement of the passing commuters.

### 3. military tail

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the part of an army or a group of ships that is at the very back.

For teachers: the section of a military force or fleet that is stationed furthest from the enemy or at the end of a column.

- The supply wagons were kept in the rear to protect them from the attack.
- The general ordered the cavalry to protect the rear of the column while the infantry advanced through the narrow mountain pass.

### 4. to raise children or animals

verb · CEFR B2

to care for and help a child or a young animal grow up.

For teachers: to bring up and care for offspring until they are fully grown; often used for livestock or in formal discussions of parenting.

- She was born in the city but reared in a small village by the sea.
- The farmer had spent his entire life rearing prize-winning cattle for the regional agricultural shows.

### 6. located at the back

adjective · CEFR B1

describing something that is at the back.

For teachers: positioned at or towards the back of something; non-gradable adjective.

- The car has rear doors that open in a special way.
- The vehicle was equipped with rear sensors to assist the driver when reversing into tight parking spaces.

## Examples

- The children sat in the rear of the car.
- The garden is located at the rear of the house, hidden away from the busy street noise.
- Military commanders often remain at the rear of the formation to maintain a broader perspective of the battlefield while ensuring the supply lines remain secure.

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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.