balcony
5 synonyms for balcony, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A platform enclosed by a rail or wall that projects from the outside wall of a building, usually accessible from an upper-floor room.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use balcony
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
step onto the balcony
balcony seats
Etymology
From Italian balcone, originally meaning "scaffold," from a Germanic word for "beam."
Full origin of balcony →Frequently asked questions
What does “balcony” mean?
The word “balcony” means a platform enclosed by a rail or wall that projects from the outside wall of a building, usually accessible from an upper-floor room. In plain terms, a raised outdoor platform on a building, or an upper level of seats in a theatre.
How do you pronounce “balcony”?
“Balcony” is pronounced BAL-kuh-nee (/ˈbælkəni/ in IPA).
How do you use “balcony” in a sentence?
Here is “balcony” used in a sentence: “They had breakfast on the balcony overlooking the sea.”
What part of speech is “balcony”?
“Balcony” is a noun.
Where does the word “balcony” come from?
The word “balcony” comes from Germanic. From Italian balcone, originally meaning "scaffold," from a Germanic word for "beam.".
Is “balcony” a common word?
“Balcony” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “balcony” have?
“Balcony” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a platform enclosed by a rail or wall that projects from the outside wall of a building, usually accessible from an upper-floor room.
What is the difference between a balcony and a terrace?
A balcony is a platform enclosed by a rail or wall that projects outward from a building's exterior wall, usually accessed from an upper floor. A terrace, by contrast, is typically ground-level or built on a roof and is not necessarily a projecting structure attached to an upper story.
What is the difference between a balcony and a porch?
A balcony projects from an upper-floor wall of a building, while a porch is generally attached at ground level near an entrance. Balconies are elevated platforms accessible from an interior room, whereas porches serve as covered entryways.
Why is the upper seating area in a theatre called the balcony?
The theatre balcony gets its name because, like an architectural balcony, it is an elevated platform that overlooks the space below it, in this case the stage. It offers an upper vantage point similar to how a building balcony overlooks the street or garden.
