English Reference
noun · verb

yard

n. · v.
US /ˈjɑɹd/ UK /jˈɑːd/ yard UK spelling yard's, yard's, yarded, yarding

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate American EnglishBritish English

    n.a unit of length equal to 3 feet or about 91 centimetres.

    n.a unit of linear measure in the imperial and US customary systems, equivalent to three feet or 0.9144 metres.

    Simple

    She bought two yards of blue fabric to make new curtains.

    In context

    The tailor requested an extra yard of silk to ensure the pattern would align perfectly across the seams of the gown.

    three feet
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.an outside area used for a special purpose, like storing wood or keeping trains.

    n.an enclosed outdoor area designated for a specific industrial, commercial, or agricultural function.

    Simple

    The old train yard was full of rusted engines and empty carriages.

    In context

    Security at the lumber yard was tightened after several expensive shipments of cedar went missing over the weekend.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced SlangDialect

    n.a slang word for your home or where you live.

    n.a term for one's house or place of residence, common in specific Caribbean-influenced dialects.

    Simple

    I'm just heading back to my yard to grab my jacket.

    In context

    He invited the whole crew back to his yard for a barbecue after the match ended.

  4. 04 C2 Proficiency Technical nautical

    n.a long pole attached to a mast to hold a sail.

    n.a long spar suspended from a mast to support and spread a square sail.

    Simple

    The sailors climbed high into the rigging to secure the sail to the yard.

    In context

    During the gale, the main yard snapped under the immense pressure of the wind, leaving the vessel difficult to steer.

  5. 05 C2 Proficiency SlangTechnical finance

    n.a slang term for one hundred dollars or, in finance, one billion.

    n.a slang term for one hundred units of currency; in financial markets, it specifically denotes one billion.

    Simple

    He managed to make a yard on that last trade.

    In context

    In the high-stakes world of currency trading, a yard refers to a billion units of the base currency.

  6. 06 C2 Proficiency Technical

    v.to put animals into a yard or enclosed area.

    v.to confine livestock or materials within a yard or similar enclosure.

    Simple

    The farmer began to yard the sheep as the storm approached.

    In context

    The cattle were yarded for inspection before being loaded onto the transport trucks for the market.

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated