belvedere

[ bel-vi-deer, bel-vi-deer; Italian bel-ve-de-re ]

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.

belvedere

/ ˈbɛlvɪˌdɪə; ˌbɛlvɪˈdɪə /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of belvedere¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of belvedere¹

C16: from Italian: beautiful sight

Example Sentences

It is a different story on the Italian mainland, visible across the gulf from the belvedere rimmed with faux Roman columns.

From New York Times

Additions early in the nineteenth century included a belvedere overlooking a large, enclosed garden that served as a backdrop to one of the most frequently used pictures of the young royal couple on the island.

From Reuters

In a statement, the jurors said Wardé’s design was a “totemic tower” that would “act as a beacon, evocative of the historical structures of treasury, lighthouse, outlook tower, belvedere and campanile”.

From The Guardian

Tucked at the end of a cul-de-sac, the white brick house with its dark green shutters draws visitors to it not only because of its unusual shape but also because of its windowed belvedere.

From Washington Post

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

From New York Times

Related Words

• floor
• podium
• terrace