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porte-cochere

American  
[pawrt-koh-shair, -kuh-, pohrt-] / ˌpɔrt koʊˈʃɛər, -kə-, ˌpoʊrt- /
Or porte-cochère

noun

  1. (in historical use) a covered carriage entrance leading into a courtyard.

  2. 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.


porte-cochere British  
/ ˌpɔːtkɒˈʃɛə /

noun

  1. a large covered entrance for vehicles leading into a courtyard

  2. a large roof projecting over a drive to shelter travellers entering or leaving vehicles

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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.

For Stuart Morkun, the developer who oversaw construction of the recently completed Figueroa Eight skyscraper, it was the porte cochere, where residents leave their cars with valets, that really stood out.

From Los Angeles Times • May 2, 2024

Manicured grounds, tiled veranda, sweeping driveway with porte cochere, patio, large deck, four-car detached garage.

From Washington Times • Aug. 10, 2023

For take after take, cakes came sailing past the couple’s window before splattering on the roof of the porte cochere.

From Washington Post • Aug. 31, 2020

Instead, this mountainous, gray sandstone structure — which once welcomed guests in carriages beneath its gargoyle-engraved porte cochere — sits about a block from the Dupont Circle Metro Station and serves as a museum.

From Washington Times • Jul. 15, 2014

Gaspard and Armantine stood at the window, and at last, as evening twilight fell, cried out that a carriage was coming in at the porte cochere.

From Stray Pearls by Yonge, Charlotte Mary

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