courtyard
n. countable B1 Intermediate US //ˈkɔɹtˌjɑɹd// UK //kˈɔːtjɑːd// court·yard
n. an open area that is surrounded by walls or buildings. It is like a private outdoor room that has no roof.
n. an unroofed area that is completely or partially enclosed by walls or buildings. Often serves as a central focal point in residential or institutional architecture.
The hotel guests enjoy drinking coffee in the sunny courtyard.
The office building features a central courtyard where employees can eat lunch away from the street noise.
Traditional Mediterranean villas are often designed around a central courtyard to facilitate natural ventilation and provide a secluded outdoor space for the family.
From court + yard.
Usage
Commonly paired with 'central', 'inner', or 'private'.