Other

rear1

Pronunciation: /rɪə/

Definition of rear

[in singular]

the back part of something, especially a building or vehicle:the kitchen door at the rear of the house
the space or position at the back of something or someone:the field at the rear of the church
the hindmost part of an army, fleet, or line of people:two policemen at the rear fell out of the formation
(also rear end) informal a person’s buttocks.

[attributive]

Phrases

bring up the rear: be at the very end of a line of people: I made the men walk in front while I brought up the rear; come last in a race or other contest: the investigation into business failures shows Scotland bringing up the rear
take someone in rear: attack an army from behind: the object of taking in rear all Austrian forces

Middle English (first used as a military term): from Old French rere, based on Latin retro 'back'

Definition of rear in the US English dictionary

Nearby words

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