belvedere

American  

[bel-vi-deer, bel-vi-deer, bel-ve-de-re] / ˈbɛl vɪˌdɪər, ˌbɛl vɪˈdɪər, ˌbɛl vɛˈdɛ rɛ /

noun

1. a building, or architectural feature of a building, designed and situated to look out upon a pleasing scene.

2. a cigar, shorter and with thinner ends than a corona.

3. Belvedere, a palace in Vatican City, Rome: used as an art gallery.

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belvedere British  

/ ˈbɛlvɪˌdɪə, ˌbɛlvɪˈdɪə /

noun

1. a building, such as a summerhouse or roofed gallery, sited to command a fine view See also gazebo

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Etymology

Origin of belvedere

First recorded in 1590–1600; from Italian: “fine view,” from Latin bellus “fine, charming, pretty” + vidēre “to see”

Explanation

At a park or scenic environment, you may come across a belvedere — a gazebo, tower, or pavilion designed to give you a spectacular view of the surrounding landscape. A belvedere is the perfect spot to unwind and soak in the surroundings. The word comes from Italian, meaning "beautiful view." Historically, belvederes were incorporated into grand estates and gardens to maximize enjoyment of the scenery. These charming structures, which are sometimes set on a hill or attached high up to a building as a cupola, turret, or roofed terrace invite you to pause and take in the beauty of nature. When you picture a belvedere, think of relaxing and enjoying a picturesque sunset or a panoramic view of a lush garden.

Example Sentences

At the top of the house is a small belvedere for viewing the countryside.

From New York Times • Apr. 20, 2016

Broadway has recently been devoid of the sort of play which is chiefly concerned with elegant seductions in a belvedere.

From Time Magazine Archive

The film opens, fittingly enough, with Miles thundering across the countryside on horseback, and ends with her dying on her back in a belvedere bathed in moonlight.

From Time Magazine Archive

While the author of Notre-Dame pursued his studies and compositions in the belvedere, the other inmates of Hauteville House were generally engaged in a variety of pursuits beneath.

From Victor Hugo: His Life and Works by Smith, G. Barnett

This appearance was rather that of a studio, because of a skylight which filled the middle of the high ceiling, where the belvedere was.

From The Golden Triangle The Return of Ars?ne Lupin by Leblanc, Maurice

Related Words

• floor
• podium
• terrace