dentil

noun

den·​til ˈden-tᵊl How to pronounce dentil (audio)
-ˌtil
: one of a series of small projecting rectangular blocks forming a molding especially under a cornice
dentiled
ˈden-tᵊld How to pronounce dentil (audio)
-ˌtild
adjective

Illustration of dentil

Illustration of dentil
  • dentil D

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web The plaster walls have been repaired and painted, the dentil molding restored to its original glory. Michelle Matthews | Mmatthews@al.com, al, 12 Feb. 2020 That’s white wainscot, wide door frames and deep crown molding that is oversized dentil style. Judy Rose, Detroit Free Press, 19 Oct. 2019 Speaking of a large party, at 23 feet the dining room can seat 12 in comfort, surrounded by Gracie wall covering, deep dentil molding and a carved fireplace. Judy Rose, Detroit Free Press, 19 Oct. 2019 The beautifully proportioned 18-by-14-foot dining room features trim and molding that extend to the dentil molding on the fireplace mantel. Joan Walden, courant.com, 8 Mar. 2018 Selldorf does not do Ye Olde Ionic orders or ironic dentil moldings. Justin Davidson, Daily Intelligencer, 13 Apr. 2018 While clearly a 20th-century design, the arched windows in the center portal, meaty keystones over the windows, and the dentil molding below the roof are all lifted directly from early-American architecture. Inga Saffron, Philly.com, 12 Apr. 2018 Outside, the home's brick exterior is greatly improved courtesy of a new door painted Benjamin Moore Seaweed green and by swapping white dentil molding for black. Lisa Boone, latimes.com, 27 Mar. 2018 In classical architecture, dentils are a series of decorative tooth-like blocks typically used under the soffit of a cornice. Susan Langenhennig, NOLA.com, 23 Aug. 2017 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dentil.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

obsolete French dentille, from Middle French, diminutive of dent

First Known Use

1663, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dentil was in 1663

Dictionary Entries Near dentil

Cite this Entry

“Dentil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dentil. Accessed 1 Apr. 2023.

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