Backyard Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/bækˈjɑːrd/🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A backyard is the area of land immediately adjacent to and surrounding a building, typically used for recreation, relaxation, and outdoor activities.

Examples

1. “She hosted a backyard barbecue for her family and friends.”

2. “The backyard of their new home had a small pond and a patio perfect for alfresco dining.”

Synonyms

1. Patio

2. Yard

3. Outdoor space

Antonyms

1. Indoor space

2. Basement

3. Loft

Etymology

The word ‘backyard’ is derived from the concept of a physical space situated behind a building, likely originating from the English phrase ‘back of the house’, which referred to the area behind the main dwelling.

Usage Notes

The word ‘backyard’ is commonly used in informal contexts, such as social gatherings, athletic events, and gardening. It can be used in various grammatical forms, including as a singular noun, e.g., “The backyard is a perfect spot for a picnic.” or as a possessive noun, e.g., “Their backyard has a beautiful garden.”

Cultural References

“Backyard” has appeared in various cultural contexts, such as in songs, films, and literature. For example, the 2015 film “Backyardigans” features a fictional family that owns a backyard with a secret garden.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

“Backyard fence” refers to a boundary that separates two properties, often implying a sense of separation or exclusivity. “Backyard deal” is a colloquialism for a business agreement made informally, often in a casual setting.

Related Words or Phrases

Words with related meanings include “yard”, “patio”, and “outdoor space”, which all refer to areas of land outside a building. Phrases such as “outdoor living” and “backyard living” also convey the idea of utilizing the space outside a dwelling for recreational purposes.

Collocations

Common collocations with ‘backyard’ include:

• Barbecue
• Patio
• Garden
• Pool
• Deck

Frequency of Use

The word ‘backyard’ is commonly used in informal contexts and has become a staple in modern language. Its prevalence is steadily increasing, particularly with the rise of social gatherings and outdoor activities.

Common Misspellings

Common misspellings of ‘backyard’ include:

• Back yard
• Backig yard
• Backyards