NYT Dictionary

HILLBILLY

/ˈhɪlˌbɪli/
NounVerbHILL-bil-lyhill-bil-ly · 3 syllablesCollege

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2025

Meaning

Someone who is from the hills; especially from a rural area, with a connotation of a lack of refinement or sophistication.

Etymology

Origin: Unknown

From hill + billy (“fellow”). Compare Scots chapman billie (“travelling salesman”).

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

hickboggerbogtrotterboorbucolicbydloculchiecarlchurlcorncob

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 1 recorded puzzle:

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