WordGarden.iohind
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /hˈaɪnd/
US
- /ˈhaɪnd/
Meanings
Adjective
at or near the back
Noun
a female deer, especially a red deer
Beyond the definition
The word "hind" is most often used as an adjective meaning "back" or "rear." You'll often see it in descriptions of animals, such as the hind legs of a horse or the hind wings of an insect. It simply points to the part that is at the back, as the opposite of "fore."
In another sense, "hind" is a noun for a female red deer. This use is less common in everyday speech, but it still appears in writing about wildlife, hunting, and older literature. The word also had an older meaning: a farm worker or servant. While "hind" sounds a bit like "hinder," it does not mean an obstacle. It is about position, an animal, or in older use, a worker.
The word "hind" carries a rich, multi-layered history rooted in Old English. Primarily, it serves as an adjective describing the rear or back part of an animal. Whether you are observing the hind limbs of a leaping frog or the hind wings of a moth, the word provides a precise way to orient the body. It stems from the Old English hindan, meaning "from behind," emphasizing a position at the back.
Beyond anatomy, "hind" also serves as a noun in the world of wildlife. It usually means a female red deer, especially in British usage and in writing about hunting or nature. In classic literature and nature poetry, the hind is often shown as a symbol of grace, speed, and vulnerability.
Historically, the word had a third, more social meaning. Derived from the Old English hina, it was used to describe a farm laborer or a rustic servant—someone tied to a household or estate. You will encounter this usage in the works of Shakespeare, where "hind" often denotes a person of low social standing. For instance, in Henry VI, Part 2, a character is dismissively called a "base, degenerate hind."
It is a common mistake to use "hind" as a synonym for "obstacle." While the verb "hinder" and the noun "hindrance" are related linguistically, "hind" itself refers to a position (rear), a creature (deer), or a person (servant), rather than the act of blocking progress. Mastering this word adds a touch of classic precision to your descriptions of the natural and historical world.
Examples
- 1
Animal posture
The rabbit stood up on its hind legs to sniff the air.
- 2
Animal movement
The horse kicked out with its hind legs when the gate opened.
- 3
Deer noun
At dawn, we saw a hind and her calf disappear into the trees.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- hindmost
- rearward
Contrast
Do not confuse
- hind noun
Used with (collocations)
- hind legs
- hind feet
- stand on one's hind legs
- hind end
Word family
Explore
- animal anatomy
- orientation
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- hindnounadjective
Forms
- hindspluralnounadjective