curtilage

noun

Save Word

cur·ti·lage | \ ˈkər-tə-lij

Definition of curtilage

: a piece of ground (such as a yard or courtyard) within the fence surrounding a house

Examples of curtilage in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In legal parlance, curtilage refers to land attached to a house, like a yard or garden. — Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 2 Dec. 2019 The Supreme Court long has recognized that privacy interests are heightened within the home, with precedents that limit police intrusions not only into structures but also the immediately surrounding property, known as the curtilage. — Jess Bravin, WSJ, 29 May 2018

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

Learn More About curtilage

Dictionary Entries Near curtilage

curtesy

curtilage

Curtin

Statistics for curtilage

Cite this Entry

“Curtilage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/curtilage. Accessed 10 Aug. 2022.

Style: MLA

MLA

Chicago

APA

Merriam-Webster Check Mark Icon

More Definitions for curtilage

curtilage

noun

cur·ti·lage | \ ˈkərt-ᵊl-ij

Legal Definition of curtilage

: the area surrounding and associated with a home

Note: The curtilage of a house is included in the Fourth Amendment prohibition on unreasonable searches and seizures.

History and Etymology for curtilage

Anglo-French curtillage enclosed land belonging to a house, kitchen garden, from Old French cortillage kitchen garden, from cortil garden, ultimately from Latin cohort-, cohors farmyard