porte-cochere
Americannoun
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(in historical use) a covered carriage entrance leading into a courtyard.
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a porch or covered area at the door of a building for sheltering persons entering and leaving vehicles.
a porte-cochere for protection in wet weather.
noun
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a large covered entrance for vehicles leading into a courtyard
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a large roof projecting over a drive to shelter travellers entering or leaving vehicles
Etymology
Origin of porte-cochere
First recorded in 1690–1700; French: literally, “gate for coaches”
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.
A porte-cochere extends from the entrance to the house.
From Washington Post • Nov. 9, 2021
A porte-cochere entry sits in front, and out back, a resort-style space tacks on a swimming pool, spa, waterfall, gazebo, playground and putting green all surrounded by lawns and landscaping.
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 20, 2020
Except for a porte-cochere, Kilkare survived unscathed the 1938 hurricane that demolished numerous structures in the area.
From New York Times • Aug. 7, 2017
Exterior porte-cochere, tile roof, verandahs, iron fencing; carriage house with two bedrooms and bath.
From Washington Times • Jun. 4, 2015
It wasn’t advisable to be late, if and when Dad finally came rolling up to the porte-cochere.
From "Cheaper by the Dozen" by Frank B. Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey
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.
