noun
Uncommon
courtyard
KAWT-yahd
Courtyard (noun) means an open area, uncovered by a roof, that is surrounded by walls or buildings. Example: “The hotel's rooms open onto a quiet inner courtyard.”
noun
1
An open area, uncovered by a roof, that is surrounded by walls or buildings.
"She sat in the courtyard, enjoying the garden."
"The hotel's rooms open onto a quiet inner courtyard."
"Children played in the courtyard between the apartment blocks."
"There comes a fairy in the courtyard, bearing a handful of gifts."
"We drank coffee under the lemon tree in the sunny courtyard."
How to use courtyard
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn enclosed outdoor space, typically inside or between buildings.
Common pairings
inner courtyard
cobbled courtyard
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Word forms
- Plural
- courtyards
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The hotel's rooms open onto a quiet inner _____.
Etymology
Formed from court plus yard.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for courtyard
yard
bayard
lanyard
vineyard
junkyard
backyard
farmyard
barnyard
shipyard
graveyard
churchyard
schoolyard
See all rhymes for courtyard →
Frequently asked questions
What does “courtyard” mean?
The word “courtyard” means an open area, uncovered by a roof, that is surrounded by walls or buildings. In plain terms, an enclosed outdoor space, typically inside or between buildings.
How do you pronounce “courtyard”?
“Courtyard” is pronounced KAWT-yahd (/ˈkɔɹt.jɑɹd/ in IPA).
How do you use “courtyard” in a sentence?
Here is “courtyard” used in a sentence: “The hotel's rooms open onto a quiet inner courtyard.”
What part of speech is “courtyard”?
“Courtyard” is a noun.
Is “courtyard” a common word?
“Courtyard” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between a "courtyard" and a "patio"?
A courtyard is an open, uncovered area surrounded by walls or buildings, often enclosed on all sides, while a patio is typically a paved outdoor area attached to a house, not necessarily enclosed by walls or buildings. Courtyards tend to feel more contained and are often found within larger building complexes.
Is a courtyard always fully enclosed by buildings?
A courtyard is defined as being surrounded by walls or buildings, which usually means it is enclosed on most or all sides, distinguishing it from an open yard or garden that lacks such surrounding structure.
Can a courtyard have a roof?
No, by definition a courtyard is an open area uncovered by a roof, even though it is enclosed by walls or buildings on its sides.
