0

I was trying to find a word for a building that was built as an outbuilding but was afterward(s) united with the main building.

Outbuilding says: a building, such as a shed, barn, or garage, on the same property but separate from a more important one, such as a house.

In my case it isn't separate.

Improve this question
4
  • "Building extension" comes to mind, or "building annex"
    – MorganFR
    Dec 7, 2016 at 12:14
  • You mean that is has extended? But you see this building was firstly built separate (as an outbuilding).
    – SovereignSun
    Dec 7, 2016 at 12:16
  • Then annex might be better, but I don't think there's a word for "formerly outbuilding, now annex/extension".
    – MorganFR
    Dec 7, 2016 at 12:18
  • @MorganFR Okay, that sounds like the right word. Make it an answer or I will!
    – SovereignSun
    Dec 7, 2016 at 12:20

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
1

There are a couple of words that would fit a building or construct that could be either connected or not.

Building extension - this is by definition connected to the main building.

Building annex (see definition noun 1) - this can be connected to the main building but not necessarily (an attic would be connected, an outhouse or a barn probably wouldn't).

Building auxiliary would also work.

To my knowledge there is no word that means that it was formerly non connected, but became connected later on, so I would say that "annex" does cover this particular case, without being the exact definition. An annex could also be a new building that was originally built by someone else but later on acquired.

Improve this answer
5
  • I disagree. "Annex" as dictionaries tell has one meaning: a building that is joined to a main building. In this case I don't think it matters where it was built as an outbuilding after the main building was built or before that.
    – SovereignSun
    Dec 7, 2016 at 12:31
  • @SovereignSun Consider this definition from the link I provided for Annex - a building added on to a larger one or an auxiliary building situated near a main one. This one does say it can be either attached or near, so it covers your example. I am not sure why you said you disagreed since we both seem to agree that it works for your example.
    – MorganFR
    Dec 7, 2016 at 12:37
  • Annex - a subsidiary building or an addition to a building.
    – SovereignSun
    Dec 7, 2016 at 12:41
  • How does that not support my answer? The addition can be made after it's construction, or maybe even a new acquisition of the annexed part like an auxiliary building, or directly built as an addition like an extension. I still think we're saying the same thing.
    – MorganFR
    Dec 7, 2016 at 12:43
  • Probably - maybe! Anyway you've given all I've ask for!
    – SovereignSun
    Dec 7, 2016 at 12:46
0

Annex - a building joined to or associated with a main building, providing additional space or accommodation.

Improve this answer
2
  • @MorganFR Consider merriam-webster.com/dictionary/annex this definitions: something annexed as an expansion or supplement as a subsidiary or supplementary building or structure or a building that is attached to or near a larger building and usually used as part of it. I consider it to be a "wing"
    – SovereignSun
    Dec 7, 2016 at 12:40
  • That's another definition of the word, and it looks like it could still work in your example. It could either become a wing or just an attic or something like that.
    – MorganFR
    Dec 7, 2016 at 12:42

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .