backyard
/ˈbækˌjɑːrd/
NOUN
1. Outdoor area behind a house
An outdoor area or yard located at the rear of a house or similar residential building, typically used for recreation, gardening, or other domestic activities.
1.1. Residential outdoor space
Refers to the private outdoor grounds behind a home, which may include grass, gardens, paved areas, or recreational facilities.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- front yard
Examples
- The children played soccer in the backyard until dusk.
- We're planning to have a barbecue party in our backyard this weekend.
- The new swing set transformed our backyard into a playground for the kids.
- Our dog loves to roam around freely in the backyard.
- The tall trees in our backyard provide shade during hot summer days.
Related Words
NOUN
2. Nearby area or local surroundings
A person's familiar neighborhood or nearby geographical area, particularly one close to their home or place of work.
2.1. Neighborhood and familiar surroundings
Used figuratively to describe the local area, neighborhood, or immediate surroundings where someone lives, works, or regularly spends time.
Synonyms
- neighborhood
- environs
- surroundings
- vicinity
- vicinage
- purlieus
Examples
- The new shopping center is located right in our backyard.
- The company has expanded its operations into the surrounding neighborhoods.
- Local environmental problems should not be ignored simply because they occur in our own backyard.
Related Words
- locality
- locale
- district
- community
- precinct
- local area
- stomping ground
- neck of the woods
NOUN
3. Area within a country's sphere of influence
A geographical region near a country or political jurisdiction's borders that it considers strategically important or within its sphere of influence.
3.1. Geopolitical influence and regional interests
Describes a neighboring territory or nearby region that a country regards as part of its strategic interests, often implying political, economic, or military influence.
Synonyms
Examples
- The government was reluctant to allow foreign military forces to operate in its backyard.
- The country views the neighboring islands as part of its strategic backyard.
- The dispute raised concerns about growing competition between major powers in each other's backyards.
Related Words
- geopolitics
- border
- jurisdiction
- sovereignty
- foreign policy
- regional power
- strategic interests
- neighboring country