porch

[pawrch, pohrch]

noun

1. an exterior appendage to a building, forming a covered approach or vestibule to a doorway.

2. a veranda.

3. the Porch, the portico or stoa in the agora of ancient Athens, where the Stoic philosopher Zeno of Citium and his followers met.

4. Obsolete.,  a portico.

porch

/ pɔːtʃ /

noun

1. a low structure projecting from the doorway of a house and forming a covered entrance

2. an exterior roofed gallery, often partly enclosed; veranda

Other Word Forms

• porchless adjective
• porchlike adjective
• underporch noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of porch¹

1250–1300; Middle English porche < Old French < Latin porticus porch, portico

Word History and Origins

Origin of porch¹

C13: from French porche, from Latin porticus portico

Example Sentences

But Summer 2025 vanished in a blur of dizzying heat and disruptive porch repairs.

From Salon

They scrawl their names on a white parachute canopy spread across the front porch.

From Los Angeles Times

The phrase “Cursum Perficio” — Latin for “The journey ends here” — was adorned in tile on the front porch, adding to the property’s lore.

From Los Angeles Times

But Cracker Barrel’s porch and rocking chairs are good enough for a road rest, and if you like the food, more power to you.

From Salon

Stores typically have a front porch with rocking chairs, and a gift shop.

From BBC

Related Words

• balcony 
• deck 
• portico 
• stoop 
• veranda