yard goods

plural noun

1. piece goods.

Word History and Origins

Origin of yard goods¹

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

Especially in geometric-patterned textiles, the artists wove the vivid colors and stripped-down forms of Postimpressionist, Cubist and Fauvist artworks into urbane, sophisticated yard goods.

From Los Angeles Times

Her mother sold yard goods and draperies at the Famous Barr department store.

From Time

But the sober aura of funeral shrouds melds with the tactile pleasure of sumptuous yard goods.

From Los Angeles Times

“But who would marry that monster Yitzchak, who leaves his precious children outside like yard goods? Besides, the ribbons will look beautiful in your brown hair.”

From Literature

The man offered for sale silks and other yard goods, and he identified himself as “a brother from the East.”

From Literature