peristyle

noun

peri·​style ˈper-ə-ˌstī(-ə)l How to pronounce peristyle (audio)
Synonyms of peristylenext
1
: a colonnade surrounding a building or court
2
: an open space enclosed by a colonnade

Examples of peristyle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The now-familiar Olympic cauldron torch was added above the peristyle at the east end of the stadium. — Tim Genske, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025 And for the next two nights, the Coliseum’s peristyle will be illuminated in blue light. — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2024 The cold room consists of a peristyle or porticoed court that is 10 meters (33 feet) long and 10 meters wide, with a large pool at the center. — Amarachi Orie, CNN, 17 Jan. 2025 The best examples of this style are seen at the Getty Villa peristyle gardens — a peristyle is a courtyard framed by colonnades or rows of pillars — in Malibu. — Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 17 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French péristyle, from Latin peristylum, from Greek peristylon, from neuter of peristylos surrounded by a colonnade, from peri- + stylos pillar — more at steer

First Known Use

1612, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of peristyle was in 1612

Rhymes for peristyle

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Browse Nearby Words

peristylar
peristyle
peristylium
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Cite this Entry

“Peristyle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/peristyle. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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