cornice

noun cor·nice \ ˈkȯr-nəs , -nish \

Updated on: 6 Apr 2018

Definition of cornice

1 a : the molded and projecting horizontal member that crowns an architectural composition — see column illustration

b : a top course that crowns a wall

2 : a decorative band of metal or wood used to conceal curtain fixtures

3 : an overhanging mass of windblown snow or ice usually on a ridge

See cornice defined for English-language learners

See cornice defined for kids

Recent Examples of cornice from the Web

Featuring brick piers, immense shop windows, and massive wooden brackets at the cornice, the new version was typical of the Main Street-style, commercial architecture of the day.

— inga saffron, Philly.com, "A Studebaker showroom returns to North Philadelphia, this time without the cars," 15 Mar. 2018
The design, developed by architect Richard Sauder, is more historically inspired than historically faithful, but the new millwork and cornice brackets do evoke the days when North Broad was lined with car showrooms.

— inga saffron, Philly.com, "A Studebaker showroom returns to North Philadelphia, this time without the cars," 15 Mar. 2018
The sculpted limestone cornice was retrofitted to serve as a retaining wall so cars could be parked on the roof.

— inga saffron, Philly.com, "Discovering an art deco Kresge's behind a Center City storefront," 13 Feb. 2018
Inside, classic features include pediment cornices, crown molding and paneled wainscoting.

— janet eastman, OregonLive.com, "On the market: Portland's oldest houses built in the 1900s (photos)," 3 Feb. 2018
Ice ridges form with cornices that stab at the sky, or ice melts from the shoreline outward with a line of dark saturation that slowly grows until water and waves reappear.

— steven litt, cleveland.com, "Artist Julia Christensen reveals Lake Erie's winter magnificence in show at Spaces (photos, video)," 3 Feb. 2018
Test a new color on the wall from the skirting to the cornice — all painted out.

— david walters, The Cut, "Why You Should Consider Painting Your Floors," 31 Oct. 2017
Complete with a grand entrance arch and copper cornice, the 676,000-square-foot store is a temple of urban commerce — and was named a New York City landmark a decade ago.

— michael j. de la merced and michael corkery, New York Times, "Lord & Taylor Building, Icon of New York Retail, Will Become WeWork Headquarters," 24 Oct. 2017
The apartment had high ceilings, Nero marble mantels, egg-and-dart cornices.

— richard kramer, ELLE Decor, "HOUSE TOUR: A New York City Apartment With Laid-Back LA Vibes," 2 June 2016

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cornice.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Illustration of cornice

Origin and Etymology of cornice

Middle French, from Italian, frame, cornice, from Latin cornic-, cornix crow; akin to Greek korax raven — more at raven

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1563

See Words from the same year

Other Architecture Terms

buttress, casita, cornice, fanlight, garret, lintel, parapet, pilaster, plinth

cornice

verb

Definition of cornice

corniced; cornicing

transitive verb

: to furnish or crown with a cornice

First Known Use of cornice

1744

Other Architecture Terms

buttress, casita, fanlight, garret, lintel, parapet, pilaster, plinth

CORNICE Defined for English Language Learners

cornice

noun

Definition of cornice for English Language Learners

: the decorative top edge of a building or column
: a decorative strip of wood or some other material used at the top of the walls in a room

CORNICE Defined for Kids

cornice

noun cor·nice \ ˈkȯr-nəs \

Definition of cornice for Students

1 : an ornamental piece that forms the top edge of the front of a building or pillar

2 : an ornamental molding placed where the walls meet the ceiling of a room

Learn More about cornice

Spanish Central: Translation of cornice Nglish: Translation of cornice for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cornice

Seen and Heard

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cornice

Definition of cornice

Recent Examples of cornice from the Web

Illustration of cornice

Origin and Etymology of cornice

Other Architecture Terms

cornice

Definition of cornice

First Known Use of cornice

Other Architecture Terms

CORNICE Defined for English Language Learners

cornice

Definition of cornice for English Language Learners

CORNICE Defined for Kids

cornice

Definition of cornice for Students

Learn More about cornice

Seen and Heard

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