BusinessAugust 31, 2026

lanai

luh-NY

Definition

A roofed, open-sided veranda, patio, or living area that serves as an extension of a home's indoor space to the outdoors.

Etymology

The word is a loanword from the Hawaiian language, where it specifically refers to a balcony, porch, or veranda attached to a house.

In the news

In this article, the lanai is highlighted as a versatile, flexible feature of the larger unit layouts that connects the living room to the outdoor environment, allowing residents to use it as a study or social space.

Cover Story: An exercise in human observation

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The Edge Malaysia

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