A palace is a grand residence, especially a royal residence, or the home of a head of state or some other high-ranking dignitary, such as a bishop or archbishop. The word is derived from the Latin name palātium, for Palatine Hill in Rome which housed the Imperial residences. Most European languages have a version of the term, and many use it for a wider range of buildings than English. In many parts of Europe, the equivalent term is also applied to large private houses in cities, especially of the aristocracy; often the term for a large country house is different. Many historic palaces are now put to other uses such as parliaments, museums, hotels, or office buildings. The word is also sometimes used to describe a lavishly ornate building used for public entertainment or exhibitions such as a movie palace.

महल का अर्थ होता है भव्य और शानदार भवन जो सामानयतः शासकों, राजाओं के आवास के लिये निर्मित किये जाते थे। भारत में मध्यकाल तक ऐसे भवन निर्मित किये जाते रहे जिन्हें महल की संज्ञा दी जाती है और ऐसे कई तरह के महल पाये जाते हैं। यह मूलतः अरबी शब्द है जिसका मतलब होता है भवन। राजस्थान प्रान्त तो राजा महाराजाओं के महलों के कारण ही जाना जाता है।