parterre

[ pahr-tair ]

noun

1. Also called parquet circle. the rear section of seats, and sometimes also the side sections, of the main floor of a theater, concert hall, or opera house.
2. an ornamental arrangement of flower beds of different shapes and sizes.

parterre

/ pɑːˈtɛə /

noun

1. a formally patterned flower garden
2. the pit in a theatre
3. another name for parquet circle

Other Words From

• par·terred adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of parterre¹

1630–40; < French, noun use of phrase par terre on the ground. See per, terra

Word History and Origins

Origin of parterre¹

C17: from French, from par along + terre ground

Example Sentences

The "pigeon house" stood behind a locked gate, and a shallow parterre that had been somewhat neglected.

From Project Gutenberg

The silent parterre would be gay with a giddy, chattering mob of Society people before long, Vera hurriedly explained.

From Project Gutenberg

In the middle of this natural parterre the stone was placed, and was overtopped by this growth, and thus concealed by it.

From Project Gutenberg

There were three circles of dancers: near the entrance to the parterre, in the centre of the floor, and on the stage.

From Project Gutenberg

The Arabesque roof was borne on Byzantine arches, which gave free access on three sides from a delightful parterre.

From Project Gutenberg