DictionarygalleryUpper seating area
noun

gallery

A long raised passage or balcony overlooking an interior.

The theater's upper gallery gives us a clear view of the stage.

Etymology

The French word names a passage or gallery. The raised-interior sense preserves a long space from which people can move along or look into the area below.

More examples

  • A narrow gallery runs above the hall's main floor.
  • Visitors watch the debate from the public gallery.
  • The gallery bursts into applause as the speaker finishes.

Forms

gallery · galleries

Similar words

balcony
Balcony can also mean a platform outside a building.
mezzanine
Mezzanine usually means an intermediate floor, not a long passage.