backyard

1 of 2

noun

back·​yard ˈbak-ˈyärd 

1

: an area at the rear of a house

2

: a nearby area : neighborhood

crimes committed in our own backyard

backyard

2 of 2

adjective

: located or occurring in a backyard

a backyard barbecue

also : lacking professional training : amateur

a backyard breeder

Synonyms of backyard

Noun

• vicinity

Adjective

• amateur

Examples of backyard in a Sentence

Noun

We spent the evening relaxing in the backyard.

shocked to learn that the wind farm would be right in our own backyard

Adjective

an orchid that is a favorite with backyard horticulturists

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

There are no costume changes, just a jersey-and-shorts combo that wouldn’t look out of place at a backyard barbecue and loose curls that Eilish styles each night herself. —Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 7 May 2026

After a refreshing, standing, glass shower, guests have the option to purchase a bottle of wine or cocktail from the backyard bar as a to-go treat. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 May 2026

Adjective

Simple precautions such as hand washing and avoiding kissing birds can reduce the risk of infection from backyard flocks. —Jonel Aleccia, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026

Why are backyard living rooms such a popular trend? —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 16 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1618, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1719, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for backyard

• asgard
• barnyard
• blackguard
• bombard
• brickyard
• canard
• churchyard
• coastguard
• courtyard
• debarred
• diehard
• disbarred

Kids Definition

backyard

noun

back·​yard

-ˈyärd

1

: an area in back of a house

2

: an area in which one has a special interest