courtyard

American  

[kawrt-yahrd, kohrt-] / ˈkɔrtˌyɑrd, ˈkoʊrt- /

noun

1. a court open to the sky, especially one enclosed on all four sides.

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courtyard British  

/ ˈkɔːtˌjɑːd /

noun

1. an open area of ground surrounded by walls or buildings; court

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Etymology

Origin of courtyard

First recorded in 1545–55; court + yard ²

Example Sentences

We met in the courtyard with neighbors — the ones who didn’t hate our dog.

From Los Angeles Times

The cross-shaped tower designed by Seattle architecture firm Mithun would include common courtyard and terrace areas oriented toward Levering Avenue, the study said.

From Los Angeles Times

Women wearing long wigs and ornate traditional dresses milled around a pebbled courtyard, stopping to snap photos under a pavilion, as the melodious strumming of the Chinese zither played in the background.

From Barron's

He was allowed just one hour a day for exercise, by himself in the wing's segregated courtyard.

From BBC

Regardless of your point of entry, both roads lead to a shared open-air courtyard enclosed with glass.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• lawn
• patio
• yard