balcony
BAL-kuh-nee
Balcony (noun) 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. Example: “They had breakfast on the balcony overlooking the sea.”
noun
1
A platform enclosed by a rail or wall that projects from the outside wall of a building, usually accessible from an upper-floor room.
"They had breakfast on the balcony overlooking the sea."
"She stepped out onto the balcony to get some fresh air."
"Our flat is small, but the balcony has room for a table and chairs."
2
An upper seating area in a theatre overlooking the stage.
"We had cheap tickets up in the balcony, but the view was still great."
"The actors waved to friends sitting in the balcony after the show."
"From the balcony you can see the whole stage without anyone's head in the way."
How to use balcony
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA raised outdoor platform on a building, or an upper level of seats in a theatre.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
step onto the balcony
balcony seats
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Word forms
- Plural
- balconies
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They had breakfast on the _____ overlooking the sea.
Etymology
From Italian balcone, originally meaning "scaffold," from a Germanic word for "beam."
Related words
Rhymes for balcony
See all rhymes for 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.
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