courtyard

noun

court·​yard ˈkȯrt-ˌyärd 

: a court or enclosure adjacent to a building (such as a house or palace)

Synonyms of courtyard

• patio
• quadrangle
• enclosure
• yard

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

Walkways, courtyards, and gardens blooming with native Virginia plants keep the entire property feeling connected and cohesive. —Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 13 Mar. 2026

After the carpet, guests entered one of two open-air courtyards for a preshow reception catered by Wolfgang Puck and from which a preshow telecast was being hosted by Ariana DeBose and Lil Rel Howery. —Scott Feinberg, HollywoodReporter, 13 Mar. 2026

The large courtyard invites activities for residents and the broader community, so residents don't feel isolated, but part of something bigger. —Sharon Chin, CBS News, 12 Mar. 2026

The artist James Turrell’s work is installed in the poolside cabanas, and there is a palm tree in the middle of the courtyard. —Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 11 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1552, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for courtyard

• asgard
• backyard
• barnyard
• blackguard
• bombard
• brickyard
• canard
• churchyard
• coastguard
• debarred
• diehard
• disbarred

Kids Definition

courtyard

noun

court·​yard -ˌyärd 

: a court or enclosure next to a building