cornice

noun cor·nice \ ˈkȯr-nəs , -nish \

|Updated on: 14 Jun 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

Almost all have been retrofitted by bracing parapets around the building’s exterior, anchoring walls to the roof, and removing or stabilizing exterior features such as stairways, balconies, marquees and cornices.

— john wilkens, sandiegouniontribune.com, "San Diego's vulnerable buildings," 13 May 2018
Decorative cornices and parapets on the exteriors shake loose.

— john wilkens, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Back story: Shoring up old masonry buildings for earthquakes," 13 May 2018
Outside there was decorative bargeboard over windows and doors, decorative cornice and corbel trim.

— joanne kempinger demski, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "A major renovation improved 1872 Walker's Point home but kept the Gothic Revival charm," 3 May 2018
The leaking roof has damaged plaster and destabilized the ornate terra cotta cornice, with pieces falling to the sidewalk, threatening public safety.

— will higgins, Indianapolis Star, "These 10 classic, historic Indiana buildings are on borrowed time," 2 May 2018
The living areas, for example, are embellished with vertical fluted columns, handmade cornice moulding, starburst chandelier medallions, even several swoopy modillions.

— richard a. marini, San Antonio Express-News, "Dale Evans’ Uvalde home for sale — but needs tons of work," 25 Apr. 2018
An owner of a law firm repaired some of the elaborate exterior details and replaced a missing west cornice.

— janet eastman, OregonLive.com, "Glory days return to gilded 1882 Italianate mansion built for Portland shoe merchant (photos)," 24 Apr. 2018
Gailani took top honors for her design of draperies, valances and cornices for a kitchen and breakfast area.

— michelle mullins, Naperville Sun, "Naperville People in the News," 20 Apr. 2018
The restoration work on the cornices, mantels and ceiling medallions is truly remarkable—in the main drawing room and dining rooms in particular.

— meghan overdeep, Southern Living, "The Historic Gaillard-Bennett House is the Embodiment of Old Charleston," 5 Apr. 2018

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

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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

Recent Examples of cornice from the Web

Similarly he had missing sections of hand carved cornicing restored.

— ruth bloomfield, WSJ, "A Renovated Riad Fit for a Sultan," 2 May 2018

First Known Use of cornice

1744

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

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

What made you want to look up cornice? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

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

Recent Examples of cornice from the Web

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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

Words for Summer: A Quiz

If the Shoe Fits

On the Disruption of 'Disrupt'

Trending: 'Asylum' Trends as Policies Draw Attention

Ghost Word