belvedere
Americannoun
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a building, or architectural feature of a building, designed and situated to look out upon a pleasing scene.
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a cigar, shorter and with thinner ends than a corona.
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Belvedere, a palace in Vatican City, Rome: used as an art gallery.
noun
Etymology
Origin of belvedere
First recorded in 1590–1600; from Italian: “fine view,” from Latin bellus “fine, charming, pretty” + vidēre “to see”
Explanation
At a park or scenic environment, you may come across a belvedere — a gazebo, tower, or pavilion designed to give you a spectacular view of the surrounding landscape. A belvedere is the perfect spot to unwind and soak in the surroundings. The word comes from Italian, meaning "beautiful view." Historically, belvederes were incorporated into grand estates and gardens to maximize enjoyment of the scenery. These charming structures, which are sometimes set on a hill or attached high up to a building as a cupola, turret, or roofed terrace invite you to pause and take in the beauty of nature. When you picture a belvedere, think of relaxing and enjoying a picturesque sunset or a panoramic view of a lush garden.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The meeting occurred when Michelangelo paid the Venetian a courtesy visit in his rooms at the Belvedere Palace in the company of Giorgio Vasari, the celebrated biographer, and saw “Danaë.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 30, 2026
Their first performance outside of church was for “an elaborate governmental affair in Vienna in the Belvedere Palace” in the mid-1930s.
From Slate • Jan. 26, 2025
He played sportswriter George Owens in the long-running sitcom "Mr. Belvedere."
From Salon • Jan. 16, 2025
Belvedere, believed to be around 32 years old, was on the Italian government's list of most dangerous fugitives.
From BBC • Oct. 25, 2024
“Beauregard. He was the smart one. Belvedere was the muscle. And Ethan was like two inches taller than me back then.”
From "What If It's Us" by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
