'verandah' originates from Portuguese, specifically the word 'varanda' (a long balcony or railing), probably via contact with South Asian languages during the colonial period.

'verandah' was influenced by Portuguese 'varanda' and may have been reinforced by Hindustani forms such as 'varaṇḍā'/'barānda'; it entered English in the 17th–18th century and became established as 'verandah' (also spelled 'veranda').

Initially associated with a balcony, railing, or raised platform, it evolved into the modern English sense of a roofed outdoor porch or gallery attached to a building.