balcony

play

noun bal·co·ny \ˈbal-kə-nē\

Definition of balcony

plural

balconies

1 : a platform that projects from the wall of a building and is enclosed by a parapet or railing
2 : an interior projecting gallery in a public building (such as a theater)

balconied

play \-nēd\ adjective

See balcony defined for English-language learners

See balcony defined for kids

Examples of balcony in a Sentence

We asked for a hotel room with a balcony.
on summer mornings I often have breakfast out on the balcony

Recent Examples of balcony from the Web

Trump Palace is a 55-story brick residential tower that stands out for its multiple terraced setbacks and large jutting balconies on the Upper East Side.

— peter kiefer and peter flax, The Hollywood Reporter, "Fed Up With Sagging Prices, Owners of Trump-Branded Condos Push for Name Change", 1 June 2017
At one point, Keach's Hemingway went to the balcony set up at the rear of the set, speaking of needing some air.

— chris jones, chicagotribune.com, "Goodman's Stacy Keach play takes Wednesday off after a rough opening night", 31 May 2017
Some 100,000 North Koreans are amassed in Kim Il Sung square waving plastic bouquets and holding up lettered cards to create designs like the ruling party’s hammer, sickle and brush logo when seen from the balcony of the Grand People’s Study House.

— eric talmadge, The Seattle Times, "A new balance of terror: Why North Korea clings to its nukes", 30 May 2017
Catelynn swims in a pool on her balcony, whooping over and over and for no reason.

— mark shrayber, Cosmopolitan, "The Cast Goes on a Trip and Maci Admits She Fears For Ryan's Life on Teen Mom OG", 30 May 2017
There were thirty-five ranks of pipes — sets that produce the same timbre for each note — and a set of pipes, called antiphonal pipes, jutting dramatically out over the interior from the rear balcony.

— petula dvorak, Washington Post, "The church needed an organist. He tried out. Fifty years later, it looks like he got the job.", 29 May 2017
The floor seating appeared more or less full, as was the horseshoe of bleachers nearest the floor and the first balcony above that.

— doug maccash, NOLA.com, "Bayou Country Superfest: Miranda Lambert owned the Dome", 28 May 2017
Situated in the Mallard Pointe community, the one-of-a-kind home sits on a hilltop amongst large trees and beautiful landscaping and enjoys panoramic views of the lake from the upper balcony.

— star-telegram, "Knieper Realty Inc | Granbury", 28 May 2017
According to police, a Clinton police officer confronted a man who was standing on a second-story balcony at a home in Clinton.

— toriano porter, kansascity, "Clinton, Mo., man allegedly pointed a gun at an officer. He was shot in return.", 27 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'balcony'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Illustration of balcony

Origin and Etymology of balcony

Italian balcone, from Old Italian, large window, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German balko beam — more at balk

NEW!

First Known Use: 1618

See Words from the same year

Other Architecture Terms

buttress, casita, cornice, fanlight, garret, lintel, parapet, pilaster, plinth

BALCONY Defined for English Language Learners

balcony

play

noun

Definition of balcony for English Language Learners

: a raised platform that is connected to the side of a building and surrounded by a low wall or railing
: a floor or seating area above the main floor of a theater

BALCONY Defined for Kids

balcony

play

noun bal·co·ny \ˈbal-kə-nē\

Definition of balcony for Students

plural

balconies

1 : a platform enclosed by a low wall or a railing built out from the side of a building
2 : a platform inside a theater extending out over part of the main floor