countryside

noun

coun·​try·​side ˈkən-trē-ˌsīd How to pronounce countryside (audio)
Synonyms of countrysidenext
1
: a rural area
2
: the inhabitants of a countryside

Examples of countryside in a Sentence

We took a long drive through the open countryside. everyone hates to see the countryside ruined by new developments
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Although large numbers of Iranians haven’t fled the country yet, people have been leaving major cities for the relative safety of the countryside bordering the Caspian Sea north of the capital, Tehran, according to the International Organization for Migration. Sam McNeil, Fortune, 14 Mar. 2026 The calming countryside with centuries-old villages is never far away. Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 14 Mar. 2026 Dotted with small towns, its sprawling countryside is home to rural communities, conservative faith groups and a sizable Slavic immigrant population. Maria Godoy, NPR, 14 Mar. 2026 Although large numbers of Iranians haven't fled the country yet, people have been leaving major cities for the relative safety of the countryside bordering the Caspian Sea north of the capital, Tehran, according to the International Organization for Migration. ABC News, 14 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for countryside

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of countryside was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Countryside.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/countryside. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

countryside

noun
coun·​try·​side ˈkən-trē-ˌsīd How to pronounce countryside (audio)
: a rural area or its people

More from Merriam-Webster on countryside

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