entablature

noun en·tab·la·ture \ in-ˈta-blə-ˌchu̇r , -chər , -ˌt(y)u̇r \

|Updated on: 26 Apr 2018

Definition of entablature

: a horizontal part in classical architecture that rests on the columns and consists of architrave, frieze, and cornice

Recent Examples of entablature from the Web

When it was built, the hotel was sided with smooth, dressed limestone slabs, brick columns and neoclassical terra cotta entablature.

— irene north, The Seattle Times, "Scottsbluff’s Lincoln Hotel turns 100," 13 Jan. 2018

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

Illustration of entablature

Origin and Etymology of entablature

obsolete French, modification of Italian intavolatura, from intavolare to put on a board or table, from in- (from Latin) + tavola board, table, from Latin tabula

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1611

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year