backwoods

American  

[bak-woodz] / ˈbækˈwʊdz /

noun

1. (often used with a singular verb)  wooded or partially uncleared and unsettled districts.

2. any remote or isolated area.

   Synonyms:

   backwater , bush , boonies , boondocks , woodland , wild , hinterland

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adjective

1. of or relating to the backwoods.

2. unsophisticated; uncouth.

backwoods British  

/ ˈbækwʊdz /

plural noun

1. partially cleared, sparsely populated forests

2. any remote sparsely populated place

3. (modifier) of, from, or like the backwoods

4. (modifier) uncouth; rustic

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Etymology

Origin of backwoods

An Americanism dating back to 1700–10; back ¹ + woods ¹ (in the sense “a forest”)

Example Sentences

The era of mega-fires is causing a little noticed climate migration that is reshaping life for thousands of people in California’s backwoods, pushing small, self-reliant mountain communities to the brink of extinction.

From Los Angeles Times

They paid the midwife $7.50 for me — this was in the backwoods of Louisiana.”

From Los Angeles Times

A hiker who was lost in the backwoods of British Columbia for more than five weeks has been found alive.

From BBC

If you don’t know Atkins’ backstory, it’s a lot like Dolly Parton’s — smart but poor kid in a backwoods cabin, no running water, few prospects, and a lot of heart.

From Los Angeles Times

Their adventure turns into a backwoods nightmare when local mountain men assault them.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• backcountry
• outback