yard

A yard is a unit of length in the Imperial and US customary systems. It is defined as three feet, equal to 36 inches or 0.9144 meters. The symbol is yd. Historically, yards were used in measuring cloth and land; today it remains common in construction, manufacturing, and everyday measurements in the United States and several other countries.

In everyday language, yard refers to the outdoor area around a building, especially in residential settings. A front yard lies at the street side; the backyard is behind the building. Yards can be lawns, gardens, or a mix of grass, plants, paths, and hardscape. In the United Kingdom and some Commonwealth countries, the term garden is often used for the cultivated outdoor space, while yard can mean a service or paved area, or an area behind a house on a farm or factory site.

Yards as outdoor spaces are shaped by climate and culture; common elements include lawns, trees, shrubs, fences, patios, and drainage features. Maintenance involves mowing, irrigation, fertilization, and pruning. Design choices balance aesthetics, privacy, and environmental concerns, such as water conservation and habitat provision.

In sports and construction, the term yard appears in expressions such as yardage in American football or a yard line marking field positions, and in building plans to indicate lengths and clearances. Overall, the word yard serves as both a unit of length and a descriptor of outdoor space.