A1 noun Neutral #3,234 most common

balcony

/ˈbæl.kə.ni/

A balcony is an outdoor platform that is attached to the upper floor of a building. It is usually surrounded by a low wall or railing for safety and is used for sitting or looking at the view.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I like to have my morning coffee on the balcony.

I enjoy drinking coffee outside on the platform attached to my room.

2

The hotel suite offers a private balcony overlooking the ocean.

The expensive hotel room includes its own outdoor area with a sea view.

3

Come out to the balcony and see this sunset!

Step outside onto the platform to look at the sky.

Word Family

Noun
balcony
Adjective
balconied
Related
balconies
💡

Memory Tip

Think of the famous scene from Romeo and Juliet; Juliet stands on her balcony to talk to Romeo.

Quick Quiz

Our apartment is on the third floor, so we have a small ______ where we grow plants.

Correct!

The correct answer is: balcony

Examples

1

I like to have my morning coffee on the balcony.

everyday

I enjoy drinking coffee outside on the platform attached to my room.

2

The hotel suite offers a private balcony overlooking the ocean.

formal

The expensive hotel room includes its own outdoor area with a sea view.

3

Come out to the balcony and see this sunset!

informal

Step outside onto the platform to look at the sky.

4

The architectural plans specify a reinforced concrete balcony for each unit.

academic

The building design includes a strong outdoor platform for every apartment.

5

Please ensure the balcony doors are locked before leaving the office.

business

Make sure the doors leading outside are closed and secured.

Word Family

Noun
balcony
Adjective
balconied
Related
balconies

Common Collocations

small balcony a little outdoor platform
balcony railing the safety fence around a balcony
step onto the balcony to walk out onto the outdoor platform
balcony view what you see from the balcony
apartment balcony the outdoor area of a flat

Common Phrases

Juliet balcony

A very narrow balcony that you cannot walk out on.

theatre balcony

An upper level of seats in a theatre or cinema.

on the balcony

Located on the outdoor platform.

Often Confused With

balcony vs terrace

A terrace is usually larger and often located on the ground or a flat roof, while a balcony is always attached to an upper floor.

balcony vs porch

A porch is usually at the entrance of a house on the ground floor, often covered by a roof.

📝

Usage Notes

The word is most commonly used for domestic outdoor spaces on apartments, but it can also refer to seating sections in old theatres.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often use the preposition 'in' instead of 'on'. You should say 'on the balcony' because it is a platform.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the famous scene from Romeo and Juliet; Juliet stands on her balcony to talk to Romeo.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Italian word 'balcone', which comes from the Old High German word 'balko' meaning a beam.

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun: one balcony, two balconies Used with the preposition 'on' Often followed by 'overlooking' to describe the view
🌍

Cultural Context

In many Mediterranean and European cities, balconies are decorated with flowers and used for socializing with neighbors.

Quick Quiz

Our apartment is on the third floor, so we have a small ______ where we grow plants.

Correct!

The correct answer is: balcony

More Home words

terrace

A1

A flat, paved area outside a house or building where you can sit and enjoy the weather. It is often used for eating meals or relaxing outdoors and can be at ground level or on a roof.

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toilet

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attic

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An attic is a room or space located directly under the roof of a house. It is commonly used for storing old things or can be turned into a small extra bedroom.

hallway

A1

A long, narrow passage inside a building that connects different rooms. It is used for walking from one part of a house, school, or office to another.

mattress

A1

A mattress is a large, thick pad used for sleeping on, typically placed on top of a bed frame. It is designed to provide support and comfort to the body using materials like foam, springs, or air.

pillow

A1

A pillow is a soft, rectangular object used to support the head while sleeping or resting. It usually consists of a fabric bag filled with soft materials like feathers, foam, or synthetic fibers.

sheet

A1

A large, thin, rectangular piece of cloth used on a bed to keep the sleeper comfortable and the mattress clean. It can also refer to a flat piece of paper or a thin layer of any material like metal or ice.

cabinet

A1

A cabinet is a piece of furniture with shelves or drawers, often featuring doors, used for storing or displaying items. It is commonly found in rooms like the kitchen, bathroom, or office to keep things organized and out of sight.

refrigerator

A1

A large electric appliance used to keep food and drinks cold so they stay fresh for a longer period. It is a fundamental piece of kitchen equipment that prevents spoilage by maintaining a low temperature.

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