courtyard
/ˈkɔːtjɑːd
/noun
An unroofed area that is completely or partially enclosed by walls or buildings, typically one forming part of a castle or large house.The long thin office wings enclose two hermetic internal courtyards or patios....
- In much of the country, traditional houses are rectangular and have courtyards enclosed by high walls.
- Privacy is very important, and many homes and other buildings open into private courtyards with concrete walls.
Synonyms
yard, court, quadrangle, square, close, enclosure, precinct;
in Spain plaza, patio;
in Italy piazza;
cloister, arcade;
South African lapa
informal quad