patio

[ pat-ee-oh, pah-tee-oh ]

noun

, plural pat·i·os.

1. an area, usually paved, adjoining a house and used as an area for outdoor lounging, dining, etc.
2. a courtyard, especially of a house, enclosed by low buildings or walls.

patio

/ ˈpætɪˌəʊ /

noun

1. an open inner courtyard, esp one in a Spanish or Spanish-American house
2. an area adjoining a house, esp one that is paved and used for outdoor activities

Word History and Origins

Origin of patio¹

1820–30, Americanism; < Spanish, Old Spanish: courtyard, perhaps originally open area; compare Medieval Latin patium meadow, pasturage, perhaps derivative of Latin *patitus, past participle of patēre to lie open. See patent

Word History and Origins

Origin of patio¹

C19: from Spanish: courtyard

Example Sentences

Yost tried to escape to the house patio, but was shot in the head.

From Los Angeles Times

Mrs Burton then found a wounded Mr Bush on the patio outside the property and she began to give him CPR.

From BBC

We’re sitting on the patio of a Beverly Hills hotel restaurant, trying to stay out of the sun.

From Los Angeles Times

The 34-year-old single mother hugged everyone in the narrow bar area as she walked toward the patio, where the applause grew even louder.

From Los Angeles Times

But the family invited relatives, neighbors and others to an open-air memorial Mass Thursday evening in the patio behind the home.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• balcony
• courtyard
• deck
• veranda