backwoods

1 of 2

noun

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

backwoods

2 of 2

adjective

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

Synonyms of backwoods

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Noun

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Examples of backwoods in a Sentence

Noun lived far out in the backwoods and raised hogs for a living
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.
Adjective
The potholes are worth it, however, for the great weekend of backwoods hiking and exploring . — Stef Schrader, Popular Mechanics, 25 Apr. 2020 With a freestanding design, premium lightweight aluminum poles, and two entry doors, this backwoods house packs in serious features for the money. — T. Edward Nickens, Field & Stream, 7 Apr. 2020 The weekend gets going on Friday with music from Gator Nate, the lovable backwoods yahoo and role model for many a UF pledge. — Ben Crandell, sun-sentinel.com, 22 Aug. 2019 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 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

Rhymes for backwoods

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Browse Nearby Words

backwind
backwoods
backwoodser
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Backwoods.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backwoods. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on backwoods

Nglish: Translation of backwoods for Spanish Speakers

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