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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.

A porte-cochere extends from the entrance to the house.

From Washington Post • Nov. 9, 2021

At the other end of the corner-lot property, two driveways converge on a motor court and porte-cochere entry.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 2, 2020

Except for a porte-cochere, Kilkare survived unscathed the 1938 hurricane that demolished numerous structures in the area.

From New York Times • Aug. 7, 2017

Stone exterior, porte-cochere, two-car carriage house, pool, flagstone patio.

From Washington Times • Oct. 20, 2016

It wasn’t advisable to be late, if and when Dad finally came rolling up to the porte-cochere.

From "Cheaper by the Dozen" by Frank B. Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey

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