courtyard

[ kawrt-yahrd, kohrt- ]

noun

1. a court open to the sky, especially one enclosed on all four sides.

courtyard

/ ˈkɔːtˌjɑːd /

noun

1. an open area of ground surrounded by walls or buildings; court

Word History and Origins

Origin of courtyard¹

First recorded in 1545–55; court + yard ²

Example Sentences

They followed makeshift signs to a small courtyard, where scores of volunteer lawyers, translators and other staff helped them apply for a little-known federal program that offers an unusual — and probably fleeting — reprieve from deportation.

From Los Angeles Times

It was at least another hour before CHP officers began to clear the rest of the courtyard near the encampment.

From Los Angeles Times

BBC Verify has been able to match the location of this footage to the courtyard of a mosque in Al Seriha.

From BBC

Sidoti confirmed that, based on the commission’s review of available evidence, the cause of that explosion in the courtyard of Al-Ahli Arab hospital almost exactly a year ago remains unclear.

From Salon

Outside one of two hospitals still open in Nabatieh, nestled on a hill overlooking part of the city, ambulance crews sat outside the hospital courtyard, smoking and drinking coffee.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• lawn
• patio
• yard