backwoods

1 of 2

noun

back·​woods ˈbak-ˈwu̇dz How to pronounce backwoods (audio)
plural in form but singular or plural in construction
1
: wooded or partly cleared areas far from cities
2
: a remote or culturally backward area
backwoodsy adjective

backwoods

2 of 2

adjective

: of, relating to, or suggesting backwoods
especially : culturally backward or unsophisticated
a backwoods sentimentality

Examples of backwoods in a Sentence

Noun lived far out in the backwoods and raised hogs for a living
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Noun
The trail was being threatened by development in the backwoods and on the mountain tops. Donna Sarkar, Discover Magazine, 8 June 2021 From city streets to backwoods trails to intense triathlons, the Suunto 9 GPS Multisport Smartwatch was developed for sports lovers and fans of the great outdoors. John Thompson, Men's Health, 22 Dec. 2022
Adjective
Frances Quinlan Quinlan had planned to celebrate her 34th birthday in a backwoods cabin this week, before a Friday show in Ohio. Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 May 2020 The potholes are worth it, however, for the great weekend of backwoods hiking and exploring . Stef Schrader, Popular Mechanics, 25 Apr. 2020 See all Example Sentences for backwoods 

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1709, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1784, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of backwoods was in 1709

Dictionary Entries Near backwoods

Cite this Entry

“Backwoods.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backwoods. Accessed 11 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

backwoods

plural noun
back·​woods
ˈbak-ˈwu̇dz,
-ˌwu̇dz
1
: wooded or partly cleared areas far from cities
2
: a place that is slow to adopt the ways of the city

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