porch

noun

ˈpȯrch 

1

: a covered area adjoining an entrance to a building and usually having a separate roof

2

obsolete : portico

Synonyms

• gallery [Southern & Midland]
• lanai
• piazza [dialect]
• stoop
• veranda
• verandah

Examples of porch in a Sentence

The house has a large front porch.

vacationers relaxing on the inn's spacious front porch

Recent Examples on the Web

Things are so grim that even a lion has taken refuge on the Dutton porch (more on that animal later). —Lynette Rice, Deadline, 23 Feb. 2025

This will open up your porch, allowing everyone to enjoy the stunning scenery. —Macie Stump, Southern Living, 17 Feb. 2025

Meanwhile, at a blue waterfront five-bedroom that was an occasional launch point for fishing charters until last summer, there’s a full scoreboard stashed in a wide-open garage, nothing in the planters on the small porch, and a Sheepadoodle named Vince Lombardi barking behind the front door. —Brian Hamilton, The Athletic, 14 Feb. 2025

There are many great places in the world to steal a kiss — at bus shelters and on front porches; under umbrellas and in the back row at the movies. —Chloe Veltman, NPR, 13 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English porche, from Anglo-French, from Latin porticus portico, from porta gate; akin to Latin portus port — more at ford

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing porch

• screened porch
• sleeping porch

Rhymes for porch

• scorch
• torch

Kids Definition

porch

noun

ˈpōrch 

ˈpȯrch

: a covered entrance to a building usually with a separate roof