A verandah or veranda is a roofed opened gallery or porch. It is also described as an open pillared gallery, generally roofed, built around a central structure. It is often partly enclosed by a railing and frequently extends across the front and sides of the structure.

History of term

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the word verandah originated in India where it is found in several native languages. However, it may have been an adaptation of the Portuguese or older Spanish varanda (baranda or barandilla in modern Spanish), again borrowed from Indian languages, referring to a railing, balustrade or balcony. The distinctive style of Indian architecture evolved from a hybrid of east and west. The veranda is one of the many new hybrid architectural elements.

Although the form "verandah" is correct and very common, some authorities prefer the version without an h (the gives the h version as a variant, and the says
"veranda
not verandah").

Architecture styles notable for verandahs

The Queenslander is a style of residential construction in Queensland, Australia which is characterised by its large verandahs.
Winifred Rawson nursing her son on the verandah of The Hollow, near Mackay, Australia, ca. 1873|220px|thumb|right

See also

• Verandah - Definition at Wiktionary

• Porch

• Deck

• Balcony

• Patio

• Loggia

• Terrace