porte-cochere

or porte-co·chère

[ pawrt-koh-shair, -kuh-, pohrt- ]

noun

1. (in historical use) a covered carriage entrance leading into a courtyard.
2. a porch or covered area at the door of a building for sheltering persons entering and leaving vehicles:

   a porte-cochere for protection in wet weather.

porte-cochere

/ ˌpɔːtkɒˈʃɛə /

noun

1. a large covered entrance for vehicles leading into a courtyard
2. a large roof projecting over a drive to shelter travellers entering or leaving vehicles

Word History and Origins

Origin of porte-cochere¹

First recorded in 1690–1700; French: literally, “gate for coaches”

Word History and Origins

Origin of porte-cochere¹

C17: from French: carriage entrance, from porte gateway + coche coach

Example Sentences

The building featured a dramatic porte-cochere fashioned of parabolic curves over the driveway entrance, and the sign out front had a star instead of a dot over the letter “i” in its name.

From New York Times

The store’s true entrance wasn’t on Wilshire but through the drive-up porte-cochere behind the store, its ceiling ornamented with a mural called “The Spirit of Transportation.”

From Los Angeles Times

A porte-cochere extends from the entrance to the house.

From Washington Post

The front of the property features a gated motor court and porte-cochere entry, and the backyard holds a swimming pool and hot tub.

From Los Angeles Times

Enclosed sun porch, exterior balconies, porte-cochere, formal gardens, brick patio, stream on property with bridge, outbuildings plus two-car detached garage.

From Washington Times