pergola

noun

per·​go·​la ˈpər-gə-lə  pər-ˈgō- 

1

: arbor, trellis

2

: a structure usually consisting of parallel colonnades supporting an open roof of girders and cross rafters

Examples of pergola in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The measurements are ideal for smaller outdoor spaces like an apartment patio, under a pergola, or in a backyard gazebo. —Clint Davis, People.com, 3 May 2025

The outdoor dining area lies under a shaded pergola dripping with bougainvillea that is begging to be used for long lunches or late-night cocktails. —Bailey Berg, Architectural Digest, 29 Apr. 2025

There is a vacation-like ambiance to the outdoors, which offers: ▪ an expansive deck ▪ boat dock with two boat lifts ▪ fire pit ▪ spa ▪ beautifully courtyard with a vaulted beam pergola ▪ large gated front yard with a lush lawn, hydrangea and a rose garden. —David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 29 Apr. 2025

The area of the roof accessible to the residents is not very big—under a pergola there is a sturdy wooden table with seating for four. —David Bezmozgis, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Italian, from Latin pergula

First Known Use

1664, in the meaning defined at sense 1