Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
swaybacked fence

swaybacked fence

8.7
A fence that bends down in the middle
  • noun
translation icon : valla jorobada
  • They decided to replace the swaybacked fence before it collapsed completely.

Examples

  • The old swaybacked fence leaned dangerously after the winter storms.

  • The old swaybacked fence needs repairs.

  • A swaybacked fence surrounded the abandoned farmhouse, adding to its weathered charm.

  • Look at that swaybacked fence!

  • The swaybacked fence along the property line was a clear sign of neglect and age.

  • After years of weather exposure, the swaybacked fence no longer provided proper security for the yard.

  • We noticed a swaybacked fence next to the old barn, suggesting it hadn't been maintained in years.

How Saggy

sagging
1 4.1
swaybacked fence
8.7
bowed
5.3
leaning
4.2
level
1.0

Surface Forms

swaybacked fence singular
swaybacked fences plural

Morphology

swaybacked + fence

The adjective 'swaybacked' literally denotes a downward curvature or sag in the back and combined with 'fence' yields the clear image of a fence that sags or bows in the middle. This is a straightforward, compositional adjective+noun description (a shape property applied to an object), so a learner who knows both constituents can readily infer the meaning.

Etymology

Swaybacked fence comes from the picture of a fence that has bowed down in the middle, like a horse with a swayback. So, it means 'a fence' that has 'sagged' or 'dipped' in the middle.