WordNet
n. an area outside of cities and towns; "his poetry celebrated the slower pace of life in the country" [syn: country] [ant: urban area]
Wikipedia
In general, a rural area or countryside is a geographic area that is located outside towns and cities. The Health Resources and Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services defines the word "rural" as encompassing "...all population, housing, and territory not included within an urban area. Whatever is not urban is considered rural."
Typical rural areas have a low population density and small settlements. Agricultural areas are commonly rural, though so are others such as forests. Different countries have varying definitions of "rural" for statistical and administrative purposes.
Usage examples of "rural area".
He was, apparently, in a luxurious private residence, set out in the war-devoured rural area.
The low ambient electrical noise in the rural area made for good reception.
He had been raised in the rural area around Oak Ridge, Tennessee, which might make him proficient with a hunting rifle, but not with a handgun.
Before meeting any of their neighbors living in the scattered cabins and ranches of that rural area, John grew a beard, not to his surprise, it came in more than half gray, and a lot of gray began to show up on his head, as well.
They were town men from a rural area where the plows were now probably rusting forgotten in back sheds, men who perhaps wanted to be farmers but had forgotten how.