courtyard

noun

court·​yard ˈkȯrt-ˌyärd How to pronounce courtyard (audio)
: a court or enclosure adjacent to a building (such as a house or palace)

Examples of courtyard in a Sentence

The apartment overlooks a courtyard. a series of lunchtime concerts in the museum's open-air courtyard
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Qianlong took a page from the design of private gardens in southern China to make the layout more compact, and divided the site into four connected courtyards, two of which are currently open to the public, from south to north. Fred He, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2025 Expansive lawns, multiple patios, and intimate courtyards throughout the property create spaces for gatherings of any size, while the careful integration of architecture and landscape—bridges, circular entryways, waterfalls, and streams—ensures a sense of discovery at every turn. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 6 Nov. 2025 Outside, lush tropical gardens and an expansive evergreen lawn provide ample opportunities for strolls and prime waterfall views, while the heated pool, surrounded by palms towering over chaise lounges, is the perfect spot to unwind and listen to a live band playing in the courtyard. Taylor McIntyre, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2025 Following the emotional ceremony, the newlyweds and their guests gathered outside in the hospital's courtyard for a little celebration. Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 4 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for courtyard

Word History

First Known Use

1552, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of courtyard was in 1552

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Courtyard.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/courtyard. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

courtyard

noun
court·​yard -ˌyärd How to pronounce courtyard (audio)
: a court or enclosure next to a building

More from Merriam-Webster on courtyard

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!