architrave
noun
ar·chi·trave
ˈär-kə-ˌtrāv 
1
: the lowest division of an entablature resting in classical architecture immediately on the capital of the column see column illustration
2
: the molding around a rectangular opening (such as a door)
Examples of architrave in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Upping the sheen for the trims (skirting boards and window and door architraves) adds a subtle variation and frames the room.
—
Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 May 2025
The researchers also studied a group of architrave blocks, which would have been positioned just above the columns of a building.
—Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Mar. 2025
The current owners have lovingly maintained and restored the home over the past 10 years, preserving many of its original elements, including intricate wall paneling, grand fireplaces, box cornices, and detailed architraves.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 14 Mar. 2025
Drench a Room in Color Paint the whole room lavender, walls, doors, architraves, fireplaces, and all; the effect is brilliantly bold and ultra-contemporary, as evidenced by Sawyers’ Dupont Circle project.
—Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 May 2023
The entire government believes that school is a fundamental architrave of our society.
—Irene Dominioni, Forbes, 20 Apr. 2021
The 59-foot-high structure, topped with an architrave, is made from marble from Mount Pentelicus, also used for the Parthenon.
—History Magazine, 3 Dec. 2020
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 May 2025
The researchers also studied a group of architrave blocks, which would have been positioned just above the columns of a building.
—Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Mar. 2025
The current owners have lovingly maintained and restored the home over the past 10 years, preserving many of its original elements, including intricate wall paneling, grand fireplaces, box cornices, and detailed architraves.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 14 Mar. 2025
Drench a Room in Color Paint the whole room lavender, walls, doors, architraves, fireplaces, and all; the effect is brilliantly bold and ultra-contemporary, as evidenced by Sawyers’ Dupont Circle project.
—Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 May 2023
The entire government believes that school is a fundamental architrave of our society.
—Irene Dominioni, Forbes, 20 Apr. 2021
The 59-foot-high structure, topped with an architrave, is made from marble from Mount Pentelicus, also used for the Parthenon.
—History Magazine, 3 Dec. 2020
Cite this Entry
“Architrave.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/architrave. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share