awning

American  

[aw-ning] / ˈɔ nɪŋ /

noun

1. a rooflike shelter of canvas or other material extending over a doorway, from the top of a window, over a deck, etc., in order to provide protection, as from the sun.

2. a shelter.

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awning British  

/ ˈɔːnɪŋ /

noun

1. a roof of canvas or other material supported by a frame to provide protection from the weather, esp one placed over a doorway or part of a deck of a ship

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• awninged
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of awning

First recorded in 1615–25; origin uncertain

Explanation

An awning is a covering that's like a roof or extends from a roof. If you walk down a street with a lot of stores and it starts raining, you'll probably try to stay under the awnings. An awning provides shelter from rain and sun. You will often see awnings extending over the entryways of businesses. Under an awning is a place you can hang out as you collapse your umbrella on your way in, or as you open your umbrella on your way out. Awnings are often made from some type of canvas, and they protrude from the top of the store or building, kind of like the brim of a cap, which has a similar function.

Related Words

• covering
• tent