ˈbalkənē, ˈbau̇k-, -ni noun
( -es )
Etymology: Italian balcone, from Old Italian, scaffold, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German balko, balcho beam — more at balk
1.
a. : a usually unroofed platform projecting from the wall of a building, enclosed by a parapet or railing, and usually resting on brackets or consoles
b. : an interior projecting gallery in a public building (as a theater) ; specifically : such a gallery immediately above the main floor
2. : an elevated usually railed platform similar to or suggesting a balcony (as on the side of a large cylinder printing press)
Synonyms:
gallery , loggia , veranda , piazza , porch , portico , stoop : these words often show considerable variation in use, especially regional; the following comments bear on only those applications that appear to meet with approval in historical and architectural use. balcony in this comparison is applicable to any unroofed structure resting on brackets or corbels enclosed by balustrade or railing and extending along a side of a building. gallery applies to a long narrow structure roofed over and often enclosed. loggia may apply to a balcony or gallery that is architecturally well integrated in a building's design. veranda applies to a roofed structure or area facilitating out-of-door activities. piazza , orig. indicating an open square in a town, is interchangeable with, and may be a rather modish synonym for, veranda. porch orig. indicated a covered entrance affording protection but now is applicable to all but the largest verandas. portico is likely to suggest a roofed gallery or gallerylike structure fronting a more or less large or imposing building. stoop is applicable in regional speech to any relatively unpretentious construction outside an entrance, especially to a small porch or to a flight of steps with a landing before a door