lanai

noun

la·​nai lə-ˈnī How to pronounce lanai (audio)
lä-
plural lanais
: a roofed porch : veranda
… a covered porch is called a "lanai" in Hawaii …Sanette Tanaka
… Honolulu landscape architect James C. Hubbard used four L-shaped extensions to broaden an entry lanai.Sunset
… my feelings are just as ambivalent and I sit on the front lanai of my rented bungalow in Palm Springs, California …Douglas Coupland

Examples of lanai in a Sentence

a low-slung Hawaiian beach house with an open-sided lanai to catch the tropical breezes
Recent Examples on the Web Panoramic views are observed throughout the 4,000-square-foot floor plan, especially the dining area, lanai and second-story balcony. Spencer Elliott, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 Balconies and a lanai extend the living space outdoors. Lauren Beale, Miami Herald, 31 Jan. 2024 From the living area, there is a family room and kitchen with state-of-the-art appliances, a walk-in pantry, and direct access to another outdoor lanai with an outdoor dining table. Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 27 Dec. 2023 Sliding glass pocket doors open to the covered lanai with a fire pit. Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 24 Jan. 2024 His kids had their own rooms, his dogs had a big backyard, with a lanai. Brianna Sacks, Washington Post, 28 Sep. 2023 While little ones nap in the generously sized guest room, parents will enjoy reading a book on the private lanai. Lindsay Cohn, Travel + Leisure, 2 Dec. 2023 Other highlights include three bedrooms, walls of glass doors that spill out to a wooden deck overlooking a heated swimming pool, AstroTurf lawns for carefree maintenance, and tropical landscaping that surrounds a fire-pit seating area and covered lanai. James McClain, Robb Report, 27 Oct. 2023 The still-classic spaces feature rich woods (including beautiful live-edge dining room tables and shuttered wood doors that open to a spacious, furnished lanai), slate floors, local artwork that pays homage to Hawaiian culture and an earthy palette of cream and beige. Jennifer Kester, Forbes, 11 Nov. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lanai.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Hawaiian lānai

First Known Use

1823, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lanai was in 1823

Dictionary Entries Near lanai

Cite this Entry

“Lanai.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lanai. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Geographical Definition

Lanai

geographical name

La·​nai lə-ˈnī How to pronounce Lanai (audio)
lä-
variants or Lana'i
island of Hawaii west of Maui and south of Molokai area 141 square miles (367 square kilometers)

More from Merriam-Webster on lanai

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