rhizoverbBeta
DictionarypiazzaPublic square
noun

piazza

pee-AH-zuh/piˈɑːzə/

An open public square in an Italian town.

People gather in the piazza at the heart of this Italian town.

Sunny Italian piazza with stone paving fountain cafes and historic church facade, pedestrians cross open square.
Etymology
piazzaGreekbroad, flat

Greek platys, “broad,” supplied an expression meaning “broad street.” The related sense of an open courtyard or street leads to the Italian public square.

In context

ClassicistORG6:43
For all the richness of his Baldacchino and Cathedra Petri designs, Bernini’s best-known work at St. Peter’s is the square in front of the Basilica, the Piazza San Pietro.
How Architecture Evolved from the Baroque Period to Now: A Survey of Classical Architecture, Part IV

More examples

  • We cross the piazza to reach the cathedral.
  • Cafés line the edges of the bustling piazza.
  • Many Italian towns hold outdoor concerts in their piazzas.

Forms

piazza · piazzas · piazze

Similar words

square
A general term for an open public area anywhere.
plaza
Often names public squares in Spanish-speaking places, rather than Italy.