entablature

noun

en·​tab·​la·​ture in-ˈta-blə-ˌchu̇r 

-chər,

-ˌt(y)u̇r

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

Illustration of entablature

• 1 entablature
• 2 cornice
• 3 frieze
• 4 architrave

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

Typically, colonnades form at the top and bottom of the flow (starting from the cooling surface) with a middle area of entablature (see above). —Erik Klemetti, Discover Magazine, 2 Feb. 2015

The parts of the flows with clear columns are called the colonnade while the areas where the columns are less-than-perfect or absent are the entablature. —Erik Klemetti, Discover Magazine, 2 Feb. 2015

Columns in the Takachicho-kyo Gorge in Japan, showing the colonnade and entablature common in these columnar jointed basalt flows. —Erik Klemetti, Discover Magazine, 2 Feb. 2015

The luxurious Breakfast Room’s fireplace ensemble, including Roman Doric columns supporting an exquisite entablature, is as brilliantly designed, if not as eye-catching, as the Banquet Hall’s triple fireplace. —Catesby Leigh, WSJ, 11 Mar. 2022

Bas reliefs on the entablature feature important thinkers such as Booker T. Washington and Frederick Douglass. —Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2021

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, 13 Jan. 2018

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Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined above