balcony

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)

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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

Senior vice president Monica Massey said many staffers take their meals on outdoor balconies.

— sarah gish, kansascity, "Ten KC companies that spoil employees with unbelievable perks," 30 Aug. 2017
Now the HOA is painting the balconies and will remove tile.

— kelly g. richardson, sandiegouniontribune.com, "HOA Homefront: It’s my balcony and my vine, right?," 26 Aug. 2017
In addition to the video above, the AP has a whole playlist of clips from the ceremony inside St. Paul's Cathedral to the crowd at Buckingham Palace to the traditional kiss on the royal balcony.

— caroline hallemann, Town & Country, "Watch Newly Restored Footage of Charles and Diana's Wedding," 25 Aug. 2017
Another of his companies then splurged on a $2.2 million three-bedroom condo in the pristine glass Santa Maria building on Brickell, complete with marble floors and a wrap-around balcony overlooking Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline.

— emily l. mahoney and malu gaspar emahoney@miamiherald.com, miamiherald, "Did a rich Miamian help rig the Olympic site selection? Investigators want to know.," 17 Aug. 2017
Guests have a choice of three types of rooms: Deluxe Junior Suites, Parlor Suites, and Presidential Suites, all of which feature spacious living quarters, modern design, and private balconies overlooking the beach.

— tara massouleh, AL.com, "Get away with the girls at this beachfront resort," 4 Aug. 2017
Saturday, July 29: finale begins at 10 p.m. Tickets are $30 general admission, $50 balcony, $60 table seating and $65 premium seating.

— kirby adams, The Courier-Journal, "'Entertainer of the Year' competition puts the 'fab' in fabulous," 26 July 2017
An AirTV Pro installer will come to the house and set you up with a sweet antenna for rooftop, balcony or attic-mounting.

— jonathan takiff, Philly.com, "AirTV offers a bargain option to cable/satellite TV," 13 July 2017
Gone is the Jewish quarter, the markets with their monasteries, and the lattice balconies and sculptured masonry of another Sunni silk road city.

— The Economist, "Islamic State nears its end," 5 July 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! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1618

See Words from the same year

balcony Synonyms

Synonyms

sundeck, deck, 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