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belvedere

noun
bel·​ve·​dere | \ ˈbel-və-ˌdir How to pronounce belvedere (audio) \

Definition of belvedere

: a structure (such as a cupola or a summerhouse) designed to command a view
Synonyms The Beautiful Origin of Belvedere Example Sentences Learn More about belvedere

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The Beautiful Origin of Belvedere

It is said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder—and someone with a belvedere will likely have a great deal of beauty to behold. Given the origins of the word, belvedere is the ideal term for a building (or part of a building) with a view; it derives from two Italian words, bel, which means "beautiful," and vedere, which means "view." The term has been used in English since the 1570s.

Examples of belvedere in a Sentence

a Greek revival belvedere stands majestically on a grassy knoll overlooking the river

Recent Examples on the Web

 The Belvedere in Vienna, which is a giant palace, is considered a belvedere (hence its name). — Sienna Fantozzi, House Beautiful, "Here's Why You Need A Belvedere In Your House," 19 Nov. 2018 Pavilions—also known as summerhouses, gazebos or belvederes—are architects’ more free-spirited counterpoints to a house. — Karen Bruno, WSJ, "Wealthy Homeowners Find a Luxurious Way to Shelter Outdoors," 1 Aug. 2018 The famed Terrace of Infinity belvedere is set, like an infinity pool, above a magnificent vista of hills and bays vanishing into the mist in the distance, and the sky melts into the low horizon line and the equally blue seas. — Hamish Bowles, Vogue, "Beyond Sea Views, What to Explore While Visiting the Amalfi Coast," 27 Apr. 2018

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

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First Known Use of belvedere

1549, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for belvedere

Italian, literally, beautiful view

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Dictionary Entries near belvedere

beluga

beluga lentil

Belukha

belvedere

Belvidere

bely

belyve

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Time Traveler for belvedere

The first known use of belvedere was in 1549

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More from Merriam-Webster on belvedere

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with belvedere

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for belvedere

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about belvedere

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