What does porch mean?
A porch is a sheltered structure at or near the entrance of a building, especially a house. It may be fully roofed, partially open, or simply a covered landing that provides protection from rain and sun. Porches are common features of homes in the United States and are also used in British English, though a veranda or other architectural term may be preferred for a long gallery running along a building. In everyday language, porch often evokes a domestic, welcoming space where someone might sit, talk, read, or wait for visitors. The word can also refer more broadly to a covered entrance or porch-like extension. Its familiar associations make it especially useful when describing the character, atmosphere, or architecture of a home.
nounA covered or partially covered structure attached to the entrance of a building, especially a house. It can also refer to a covered entrance area extending from the front of a building.
- A covered or partially covered structure attached to the entrance of a building, especially a house.
- A covered entrance area extending outward from a building.
- A porch-like gallery or covered walkway.
"She waited on the front porch while the rain poured down."
"The package was left on the porch."
"The old farmhouse has a broad porch overlooking the garden."
The regular plural is used in both British and American English.
"The porches of the old houses faced the street."
The word porch entered English through French and Latin words for a covered entrance, giving us a familiar shelter with an aristocratic architectural pedigree.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does porch come from?
The word porch comes through Old French porche, from Latin porticus, a covered porch or entrance. The Latin term is related to porta, meaning gate or entrance. Through French and English, the word developed into its modern architectural sense of a sheltered space attached to a building. Its relatives include portico, a classical porch with columns, as well as words such as portable and transport that share the broader Latin root associated with carrying.
How porch is actually used
Porch is common in American English and is also standard in British English, although British speakers may use other terms such as veranda or doorstep more often in some contexts. The word is generally neutral and can describe either a fully roofed structure or a sheltered entrance platform.
Easily confused with porch
A porch is generally a covered entrance structure attached to a building, whereas a veranda is typically a long, open or roofed gallery along the side or front of a house.