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Definition of backhouse

backhouse

/ˈbækˌhaʊs/
back · house
Plural:backhouses
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backhouse Lexical Profile

backhouse Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

North American A small outdoor structure located behind a main residence containing a toilet; an outhouse or privy.

Example

"Before indoor plumbing was installed on the homestead, the family had to walk out to the wooden backhouse even in freezing winter weather."

2

A subsidiary building or annex attached to or situated behind a main house, historically used for domestic work such as baking, brewing, laundry, or storage.

Example

"The colonial estate featured a spacious brick backhouse where the household laundry and summer cooking were done."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for backhouse

• Rhymes for backhouse

• Nearby Words

backhander
backheel
backhoe
backhouse
backing
backlands
backlash

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the mid-17th century as a compound of 'back' and 'house', originally referring to any building situated behind a main dwelling and later specifically denoting an outdoor privy.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Backhouse. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/backhouse
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