# balcony

/ˈbæɫkəni/ (US) · /bˈælkəni/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/balcony
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. outside a building

noun · CEFR A2

a small platform on the outside of a house or apartment where you can sit or stand.

For teachers: an accessible platform extending from an external wall of a building, typically enclosed by a railing.

- We sat on the balcony and watched the people walking in the street below.
- The apartment features a small north-facing balcony, providing just enough space for a bistro table and a few potted plants.

Usage: Often used with the preposition 'on'.

### 2. theatre seating

noun · CEFR B1

an upper floor in a theatre or cinema with rows of seats.

For teachers: an elevated gallery in a theatre, auditorium, or church, providing additional seating overlooking the main floor.

- Our seats were in the front row of the balcony, so we had a great view of the stage.
- From our vantage point in the balcony, we could observe the intricate choreography of the entire ensemble without any visual obstructions.

## Examples

- We sat on the balcony to watch the sunset.
- The apartment is small, but it has a beautiful balcony overlooking the park where I grow herbs.
- From the hotel balcony, the guests enjoyed a panoramic view of the Mediterranean coastline, though the height made those with a fear of open spaces feel quite uneasy.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.