hinterland

[ hin-ter-land ]

noun

1. Often hinterlands. the remote or less developed parts of a country; back country:

   The hinterlands are usually much more picturesque than the urban areas.

2. the land lying behind a coastal region.
3. an area or sphere of influence in the unoccupied interior claimed by the state possessing the coast.
4. an inland area supplying goods, especially trade goods, to a port.

hinterland

/ ˈhɪntəˌlænd /

noun

1. land lying behind something, esp a coast or the shore of a river
2. remote or undeveloped areas of a country
3. an area located near and dependent on a large city, esp a port

Word History and Origins

Origin of hinterland¹

1885–90; < German: literally, hinder land, i.e., land behind

Word History and Origins

Origin of hinterland¹

C19: from German, from hinter behind + land land ; see hinder ²

Example Sentences

Some live in the country for a couple of days a week; some make a reverse commute to fields in the city hinterland; some work seasonally.

From BBC

A new start-up, called STAGE, has spawned a nascent film industry in this hinterland.

From BBC

Two-thirds of India’s population live in the hinterland and spend about $500bn annually.

From BBC

Southgate was the consumate ambassador and diplomat as England manager, displaying a rounded world view, a willingness to speak openly with a wider hinterland stretching far beyond football.

From BBC

The modern England manager must have a wider hinterland than simply football as all issues are now seen as fair game for his views.

From BBC

Related Words

• outback