porte-cochère

A car pulls under the porte-cochère of the hotel.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A covered entrance for vehicles: "porte-cochère" refers to a roofed structure extending from the entrance of a building, designed to allow vehicles to pass through, providing shelter for passengers as they alight or board.
   • A gateway or passage: It can also denote a gateway or passage for vehicles, often found at grand hotels, mansions, or public buildings.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The hotel's porte-cochère provided a dry path for guests arriving in the rain. (A covered entrance for vehicles that protects from weather.)
  • The historic mansion features a stone porte-cochère supported by columns. (A roofed structure extending from the building's entrance for carriages or cars.)

Advanced Usage

• "arrival under the porte-cochère": the act of stopping beneath the covered entrance for passengers to get in or out.

  • The limousine pulled up under the porte-cochère to let the guests out. (The vehicle stopped beneath the covered entrance.)

• "porte-cochère as architectural feature": used to describe a prominent design element in grand architecture.

  • The porte-cochère was designed with intricate ironwork and lanterns. (The covered entrance was a decorative and functional architectural element.)

Variants and Related Words

• Porte (n): a door or gateway (from French).
  • The grande porte of the palace was ornately carved. (The large door was elaborately decorated.)
• Cochère (adj): relating to carriages or vehicles (from French).
  • The cochère entrance was built for horse-drawn carriages. (The vehicle entrance was designed for carriages.)

Synonyms

• Carriage porch: a covered entrance for carriages or vehicles.
  • The carriage porch was lined with marble. (The covered vehicle entrance was decorated with marble.)
• Drive-through canopy: a roofed structure for vehicles to pass through.
  • The drive-through canopy at the bank was modern and sleek. (The roofed vehicle passage was contemporary.)

Related Idioms

• Under the porte-cochère: a phrase indicating shelter or arrival at a grand entrance.
  • He stood under the porte-cochère, waiting for his ride. (He waited beneath the covered vehicle entrance.)

Note on Usage

• The term "porte-cochère" is borrowed from French and is typically used in formal or architectural contexts. It is often associated with luxury hotels, estates, and historic buildings. Avoid confusing it with a simple porch or awning, as it specifically implies a passage for vehicles.