patio
UK: ˈpætɪəʊ | US: ˈpætioʊ
n. an outdoor space for dining or recreation, typically paved and adjacent to a house
n. (in Spanish-speaking countries) a courtyard or inner area open to the sky
The word "patio" originates from Spanish, where it originally referred to a courtyard or inner open space in a house. The morpheme "pat" derives from the Latin "pattus" (flat or open), reflecting the word's focus on an uncovered, level area. Over time, English adopted it to describe paved outdoor living spaces, retaining the core idea of an open, functional area.
We enjoyed breakfast on the sunny patio.
The restaurant’s patio was filled with colorful umbrellas.
Their house features a spacious patio with a stone fireplace.
In summer, the patio becomes an extension of our living room.
Traditional Spanish homes often center around a shaded patio.