Mezzanine: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'mezzanine' when referring to an intermediate floor between the main floors of a building. This term is commonly used in architecture and commercial buildings, particularly theaters and cinemas.

• The office has a mezzanine level overlooking the main work area.
• We booked seats on the mezzanine for a better view of the stage.

Use 'balcony' for a platform enclosed by a wall or balustrade on the outside of a building, accessible from an upper floor window or door. It is often used in residential buildings and theaters.

• She stood on the balcony enjoying the evening breeze.
• Our seats are on the balcony level for the concert tonight.

Use 'gallery' when referring to a space for displaying art or a raised area, often with seating, in a theater or church. It is commonly associated with art exhibitions but can also refer to seating areas.

• The art gallery will host a new exhibition next month.
• We found seats in the upper gallery of the old theater.

Use 'loft' when talking about a space directly under the roof of a house or other building, often converted for living or storage. It is also used to describe industrial buildings converted into residential spaces.

• They converted the old warehouse into modern loft apartments.
• We store our holiday decorations in the loft.

Primarily used in the context of finance and architecture. In finance, it refers to a hybrid of debt and equity financing typically used to fund expansion. In architecture, it refers to an intermediate floor in a building.

• The company secured mezzanine financing to support its growth plans.
• The library's mezzanine provides extra seating for visitors.

In the financial sector, this term refers to loans or securities that have a lower priority in case of borrower bankruptcy, making them riskier but potentially higher-yielding.

• The company issued subordinated debt to raise additional capital.
• Subordinated debt holders are paid after senior debt holders in the event of liquidation.

Used in finance to describe capital that is ranked below other forms of financing, such as senior debt, in terms of repayment priority.

• The startup raised junior capital to complement its existing senior debt.
• Investors considered the riskier nature of junior capital before committing funds.