# patio

/ˈpætiˌoʊ/ (US) · /pˈætɪˌəʊ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/patio
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. outdoor paved area

noun · CEFR A2

a flat area outside a house, usually made of stone or brick, where people sit or eat.

For teachers: a paved outdoor area adjoining a house, used for dining or recreation.

- We spent the afternoon drinking tea on the patio while the sun was out.
- The homeowners decided to install a slate patio in the backyard to create a dedicated space for summer entertaining.

Usage: Usually functions as a countable noun; often used with the preposition 'on'.

### 2. internal courtyard

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

an open area in the middle of a building, common in Spanish-style houses.

For teachers: an inner courtyard open to the sky, characteristic of traditional Spanish or Spanish-American architecture.

- The old villa was built around a beautiful patio filled with plants.
- Traditional Andalusian architecture often features a central patio designed to provide shade and natural ventilation during the hot summer months.

## Examples

- We often eat dinner on the patio during the summer.
- The new homeowners decided to install a stone patio in the backyard to create a space for their outdoor grill.
- The architect designed the living room with large sliding glass doors that open directly onto a slate patio, seamlessly blending the indoor and outdoor environments.

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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.