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.

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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

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Etymology

Origin of porte-cochere

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

Example Sentences

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

From Washington Post • Nov. 9, 2021

The front of the property features a gated motor court and porte-cochere entry, and the backyard holds a swimming pool and hot tub.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 27, 2021

Enclosed sun porch, exterior balconies, porte-cochere, formal gardens, brick patio, stream on property with bridge, outbuildings plus two-car detached garage.

From Washington Times • Jun. 24, 2021

To find out, you will have to be walking by when a car pulls up and the doors part, revealing a 3,000-square-foot porte-cochere, with a cobblestone floor and a soaring, swirling white center column.

From New York Times • Aug. 25, 2017

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