porte-cochere

or porte-co·chère

[ pawrt-koh-shair, -kuh-, pohrt- ]

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

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of porte-cochere¹

First recorded in 1690–1700; French: literally, “gate for coaches”

Word History and Origins

Origin of porte-cochere¹

C17: from French: carriage entrance, from porte gateway + coche coach

Example Sentences

His family lived in commodious apartments over the store, having an entrance on the side within the porte cochere.

From Project Gutenberg

A half-hour later they were riding under the porte cochere of the inn of the Black Boar.

From Project Gutenberg

But while his elders alighted, under the porte cochere, Paul did not smile.

From Project Gutenberg

It must have been near morning when I was awakened by the jingling of bells, and a sleigh driving into the porte cochere.

From Project Gutenberg

Windows were open, an elderly woman was hanging out clothes in the back yard, and the doctor's gig stood under the porte-cochere.

From Project Gutenberg