pergola: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal, Neutral
Quick answer
What does “pergola” mean?
A garden structure consisting of a framework covered with climbing plants, forming a shaded walkway or sitting area.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A garden structure consisting of a framework covered with climbing plants, forming a shaded walkway or sitting area.
More broadly, any outdoor structure with an open roof supported by columns or posts, typically designed to support climbing plants for shade and decoration.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in definition. The concept is identical. Spelling is the same.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes a well-maintained, often traditional or elegant garden. Possibly slightly more common in UK garden discourse due to historical garden traditions.
Frequency
Low frequency in casual speech in both regions, but familiar to gardening enthusiasts, landscapers, and homeowners with gardens.
Grammar
How to Use “pergola” in a Sentence
The [material] pergola [verb: stood, provided, was covered] in [plant].We [verb: built, installed, sat under] a pergola.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “pergola” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [No standard verb use]
American English
- [No standard verb use]
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverb use]
American English
- [No standard adverb use]
adjective
British English
- [No standard adjective use]
American English
- [No standard adjective use]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in landscaping, property development, or garden centre marketing materials.
Academic
Rare, except in architectural history, landscape design, or horticulture papers.
Everyday
Used when discussing garden design, home improvement, or describing a property feature.
Technical
Used in landscaping, architecture, and horticulture with precise meaning.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “pergola”
- Pronouncing it /pərˈɡoʊlə/ (incorrect).
- Using it to mean a free-standing trellis (a pergola is a walkway or sitting area structure).
- Confusing it with a 'gazebo' (which has a solid roof).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A pergola is an open-roofed walkway or sitting area. A gazebo is a freestanding, roofed (often enclosed) structure. A trellis is a flat latticework panel used as a plant support, not a walkway.
Yes, it is a standard English word borrowed from Italian in the 17th century, ultimately from Latin 'pergula' meaning 'projecting roof'.
This depends on local regulations, height, and location. In many places, a low, freestanding garden pergola does not require permission, but you should always check with your local authority.
Climbing roses, wisteria, clematis, jasmine, grapevines, and honeysuckle are popular choices as they provide shade, fragrance, and visual appeal.
A garden structure consisting of a framework covered with climbing plants, forming a shaded walkway or sitting area.
Pergola is usually formal, neutral in register.
Pergola: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpɜːɡələ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpɜːrɡələ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specific to 'pergola']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine PERfect GOlden Light filtered through the leaves of a pergOLA.
Conceptual Metaphor
A LIVING ARCHITECTURE; a man-made structure that becomes part of the natural garden as plants grow over it.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the BEST description of a typical pergola?