Yard

Definition

Yard refers to a unit of length equal to 3 feet (or 0.9144 meters) in measurement. It can also describe an enclosed or open area adjacent to a building, often used for gardening or outdoor activities.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /jɑrd/
• Respelling: YAHRD

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /jɑːd/
• Respelling: YAHD

Etymology

The word "yard" originates from Old English "geard," meaning "enclosure" or "dwelling." It is derived from Proto-Germanic "*gardaz" (enclosure, yard) and Proto-Indo-European "*gʰortos" (enclosed space). Over time, it came to signify both a unit of measurement and an enclosed outdoor space.

Derivatives

• Backyard (noun)
• Shipyard (noun)
• Yardstick (noun)
• Scrapyard (noun)
• Barnyard (noun)

Synonyms

• Garden (context-dependent)
• Enclosure
• Grounds

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The term "yard" is widely used in everyday language. In measurement: "The fabric is sold by the yard." In reference to outdoor space: "The children played in the yard after school."

Related Terms

• Meter: The SI unit of length, equivalent to approximately 1.0936 yards.
• Garden: A plot of land for growing plants, often synonymous with "yard" in British English.
• Foot: A smaller unit of length; three feet equal one yard.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A unit of measurement equivalent to 3 feet or 0.9144 meters: Used primarily in the United States and the UK for measuring length.
  • Example: "The swimming pool is 25 yards long."
• An enclosed or open area adjacent to a building: Refers to outdoor spaces typically used for recreation or gardening.
  • Example: "They planted flowers in their front yard."
• A defined area used for a specific purpose: Indicates a specialized outdoor space, such as a shipyard or scrapyard.
  • Example: "The workers assembled parts in the shipyard."