patio

American  

[pat-ee-oh, pah-tee-oh] / ˈpæt iˌoʊ, ˈpɑ tiˌoʊ /

noun

plural

patios

1. an area, usually paved, adjoining a house and used as an area for outdoor lounging, dining, etc.

2. a courtyard, especially of a house, enclosed by low buildings or walls.

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patio British  

/ ˈpætɪˌəʊ /

noun

1. an open inner courtyard, esp one in a Spanish or Spanish-American house

2. an area adjoining a house, esp one that is paved and used for outdoor activities

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Etymology

Origin of patio

1820–30, < Spanish, Old Spanish: courtyard, perhaps originally open area; compare Medieval Latin patium meadow, pasturage, perhaps derivative of Latin *patitus, past participle of patēre to lie open. See patent

Example Sentences

There is now a new patio that looks out over the garden, just as Smee wanted.

From Los Angeles Times

The dwelling sits on a 1.4-acre parcel that is home to a glittering swimming pool and spa, an enormous patio, an outdoor kitchen, and a fire pit area.

From MarketWatch

In addition to the trailer, they hit a patio area and a nursery room wall.

From Barron's

At a corner table on the expansive patio of a trendy Frogtown restaurant, Peaches’ blue eyes focus on the hovering waiter.

From Los Angeles Times

It was like walking through a playhouse; we passed a deserted living room with a settee beside a fireplace, then a fake patio, then an artist’s loft.

From Literature

Related Words

• balcony
• courtyard
• deck
• veranda