faceplate

noun face·plate \ ˈfās-ˌplāt \

Updated on: 3 Apr 2018

Definition of faceplate

1 : a disk fixed with its face at right angles to the live spindle of a lathe for the attachment of the work

2 a : a protective plate for a machine or device

b : a protective cover for the human face (as of a diver)

3 : the glass front of a cathode-ray tube on which the image is seen

See faceplate defined for kids

Recent Examples of faceplate from the Web

An icon on the F-35 pilot's virtual head-up display, projected onto the faceplate of his helmet, alerts him that the lead drone has automatically identified the emissions of an enemy radar site.

— joe pappalardo, Popular Mechanics, "F-35 Teams Up With Drone Wingmen in New Air Force Video," 26 Mar. 2018
Interchangeable faceplates come in several finishes, including brushed aluminum with a black or clear coating, shown.

— ron goldberg, ELLE Decor, "Speakers of the House," 5 July 2012
An unlocked vehicle in the driveway was rummaged through; removed was a stereo faceplate and a garage door opener used to enter the garage.

— bob dohr, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Greenfield, Greendale, Hales Corners Police Report: Bat-swinging driver yells at motorist," 27 Sep. 2017
Never miss a moment with the Beddi Style, a smart alarm clock that has a changeable faceplate and customizable mood lighting for the ultimate style creation.

— Sun-Sentinel.com, "Great gifts for grads," 9 May 2017
Nixon’s BB-8 Time Teller Watch, 20% off on ThinkGeek through May 6, features a faceplate designed in BB-8’s likeness with a more sophisticated sensibility, making it a great way to keep your look professional without dampening your nerdy spirits.

— samantha gordon, USA TODAY, "8 BB-8 gadgets to tide you over until Episode 8," 4 May 2017
The device also comes with four interchangeable faceplates, night vision via infrared LEDs, and motion detectors.

— ian paul, PCWorld, "Best Buy has knocked $50 off the Ring Video Doorbell Pro," 25 Apr. 2017
The station was on lockdown; after a while, an officer looking sheepish in his helmet, faceplate and full body armor, opened the door and accepted the containers.

— saul elbein, New York Times, "The Youth Group That Launched a Movement at Standing Rock," 31 Jan. 2017
The Wall Cleat (left) is a simple faceplate with two lugs for coiling unused cables, and the Picket Fence is just that: a picket fence for the wainscote.

— charlie sorrel, WIRED, "Two Cable Management Solutions and One Great Tip," 24 Oct. 2007

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