YARD Meaning and
Definition
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A yard is a commonly used unit of measurement, particularly in countries that utilize the Imperial system such as the United States and the United Kingdom. It is used to measure length or distance and is equal to three feet or 36 inches. The yard is typically represented by the symbol "yd."
Originally derived from medieval times, the yard was based on the length of an individual's arm or the distance from the tip of the nose to the end of the outstretched hand. This method was later refined and standardized to create a consistent and universally accepted measurement.
The yard is commonly used in everyday situations, such as measuring the length of a piece of fabric or determining the dimensions of a football field. It is also used in construction, landscaping, and home improvement projects. For example, when planning a new deck, the yard may be used to determine its dimensions or the amount of material needed.
In addition to its practical applications, the yard is also used metaphorically to describe a confined or enclosed space associated with a house, such as a backyard or a front yard. The term "yard" can also refer to a shipyard, where ships are constructed or repaired. Overall, the yard is a versatile unit of measurement that is widely used in various fields and contexts.
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A measure of three feet, about three inches less than a meter.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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• A staff; a rod; a measure of 3 feet, or 36 inches; in a ship, a long piece of timber, having a rounded taper towards each end, and slung by its centre to a mast.
• An enclosure in which any work is carried on; a small enclosed space adjoining a house or building; in Scot., a small enclosed garden.
• To put or confine cattle in a yard.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for YARD *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for YARD
Etymology of YARD
The word "yard" has a few different etymological origins.
1. From Old English "gyrd" - The Old English word "gyrd" meant a straight rod or staff, and later came to refer to a unit of measurement, approximately 3 feet. This is likely the source of the word "yard" as a unit of measurement.
2. From Old Norse "garðr" - The Old Norse word "garðr" meant an enclosure or fence. It later evolved into the Middle English word "gerd", which referred to an enclosed space or garden. This sense of "yard" is seen in phrases like "farmyard" or "shipyard".
3. From Middle English "yerd" - The Middle English word "yerd" meant a rod or stick, and was also used to refer to a measuring rod or staff.
Idioms with the word YARD
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the knacker's yard
The idiom "the knacker's yard" refers to a place or situation where worn-out or useless things or people are discarded or sent to be destroyed. It can also imply a situation or fate where one's usefulness or value has diminished, often leading to abandonment or ruin.
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end up in the knacker's yard
The idiom "end up in the knacker's yard" means to no longer be useful, valuable, or relevant, and instead be discarded or forgotten. It originates from the practice of sending old or injured horses to the knacker's yard, where they would be slaughtered or rendered into useful products such as glue or fertilizer. Thus, the phrase implies a fate of being neglected, abandoned, or disposed of.
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not in my back yard
The idiom "not in my back yard" is used to express opposition or reluctance towards something happening or being located nearby, particularly if it is perceived as undesirable, inconvenient, or potentially harmful. It implies a selfish or narrow-minded viewpoint, prioritizing one's own interests without considering the greater good or collective benefit. This phrase is often used in discussions concerning the placement of infrastructure, development projects, or any situation that might bring negative consequences to one's immediate surroundings.
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yard dog
The idiom "yard dog" typically refers to a person or thing that is tough, tenacious, or able to handle difficult situations. It often conveys the notion of someone who is fiercely protective, vigilant, or territorial. It may also refer to a guard or watchman who defends a specific area or property.
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ready for the knacker's yard
The idiom "ready for the knacker's yard" refers to someone or something that is old, worn out, or no longer useful, often indicating that it is nearing the end of its usefulness or life. It originated from the practice of sending old or injured horses to a knacker's yard (a slaughterhouse for horses) when they were no longer fit for work or unable to be saved. Thus, the idiom suggests that someone or something is beyond repair or ready to be discarded.
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all wool and a yard wide
The idiom "all wool and a yard wide" is typically used as a complimentary phrase to describe someone or something as being of exceptional quality, genuineness, or integrity. It suggests that the person or thing in question is entirely authentic, reliable, and trustworthy. The phrase is often used to emphasize the exemplary attributes of an individual's character, an organization's work, or a product's reliability.
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get up the yard
The idiom "get up the yard" is an Irish slang phrase that means to annoy, irritate, or bother someone. It implies someone or something is getting on your nerves or causing frustration. Additionally, it can also be used to express disbelief or dismissal of something, similar to saying "get out of here" or "get lost."
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the Yard
The idiom "the Yard" typically refers to the outdoor area or open space within a prison. It is a designated area where inmates are allowed to spend time outside of their cells, usually for exercise, recreation, or socializing.
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by the yard
The idiom "by the yard" means to measure or evaluate something based on a fixed, predetermined standard or criteria, typically without considering the overall quality or value. It implies a superficial and shallow assessment, focusing solely on quantity rather than quality.
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Put it in their back yard!
The phrase "Put it in their back yard!" means to assign responsibility or blame for a problem or issue to someone else. It can also mean to place something in a location where it will be someone else's responsibility or concern.
Similar spelling words for YARD
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