balcony

noun bal·co·ny \ ˈbal-kə-nē \

Updated on: 17 Apr 2018

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)

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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

Dubois can often be found sitting on the balcony of her seventh-floor apartment at the athletes' village.

— aimee lewis, CNN, "From 'the pits' to the Commonwealths -- how lawn bowls saved Tongan's life," 13 Apr. 2018
The rooms are generously sized and include balconies that either face the ocean or have a mountain view.

— arthur levine, USA TODAY, "Disney's Aulani resort: A Hawaiian vacation, with characters," 8 Apr. 2018
Tucked between the ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, the eight-bedroom home has balconies galore, a pool, elevator, and a private dock, making it the perfect Palm Beach oasis for the lucky new owners.

— perri ormont blumberg, Southern Living, "You Can Live in Billy Joel’s Florida Estate for $16.9 Million," 6 Apr. 2018
The home, on a 1-acre lot, features balconies overlooking the Vaquero golf course, an indoor-outdoor theater and a children's play area with its own kitchen.

— gordon dickson, star-telegram, "This former Rangers, Yankees slugger is auctioning his Vaquero mansion in Westlake | Fort Worth Star-Telegram," 4 Apr. 2018
The 3,168 square foot two-story property features two balconies overlooking a golf course, a fireplace, and unique curved walls.

— daniela sternitzky-di napoli, Houston Chronicle, "See inside Matthew McConaughey’s childhood home," 31 Mar. 2018
Modern elements to the design will include private balconies overlooking the Pizitz courtyard.

— erin edgemon, AL.com, "Condos set for historic downtown Birmingham building near Pizitz," 19 Mar. 2018
So a lanai, or a covered patio, covered balcony or covered terrace all qualify?

— contributing writer, NOLA.com, "The power of a porch: 7 ways to maximize your outdoor space," 19 Mar. 2018
The sunny unit has a balcony, built-in storage features and in-unit laundry.

— miamiherald, "Looking for an apartment in downtown Miami for $2,700 or less? | Miami Herald," 13 Mar. 2018

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! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1618

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

balcony Synonyms

Synonyms

deck, sundeck, terrace;

Related Words

gallery;

lanai, porch, stoop, veranda (or verandah);

Other Architecture Terms

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

BALCONY Defined for English Language Learners

balcony

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