fenestration
noun
fen·es·tra·tion
ˌfe-nə-ˈstrā-shən 
1
: the arrangement, proportioning, and design of windows and doors in a building
2
: an opening in a surface (such as a wall or membrane)
3
: the operation of cutting an opening in the bony labyrinth between the inner ear and tympanum to replace natural fenestrae that are not functional
Examples of fenestration in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The Swiss cheese descriptor is derived from the fenestrations or window-like perforations in its foliage.
—
Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 27 May 2026
In time, the building would become an icon of post-modernism, beloved for its witty fenestration, voids, and ground-level arcades, the latter of which were recently enclosed in glass curtain walls, thanks to a building-wide revitalization by the global architecture firm Snøhetta.
—Margaret Borden, Architectural Digest, 4 May 2026
These large-leafed houseplants, known for their striking fenestrations and tropical appearance, have been popular since the mid-20th century, particularly in mid-century modern interiors.
—Cori Sears, The Spruce, 24 Feb. 2026
High humidity, bright indirect light, and warm temperatures are essential for healthy growth and proper leaf fenestration.
—Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 18 Jan. 2026
Similar to the much-smaller Monstera adansonii, the 'Esqueleto' variety has super-sized leaves with huge fenestrations (or holes) in the leaves.
—Andrea Beck, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Oct. 2025
The Thomas house sits close to the street and, with minimal fenestration besides a huge bank of Mondrian-style frosted windows alongside the front door, is oriented to take advantage of its high mountainside perch.
—Mark David, Robb Report, 9 Sep. 2025
The revolving doors and complex fenestration made entering the museum crowded and confusing.
—Dodie Kazanjian, Vogue, 5 Aug. 2024
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Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 27 May 2026
In time, the building would become an icon of post-modernism, beloved for its witty fenestration, voids, and ground-level arcades, the latter of which were recently enclosed in glass curtain walls, thanks to a building-wide revitalization by the global architecture firm Snøhetta.
—Margaret Borden, Architectural Digest, 4 May 2026
These large-leafed houseplants, known for their striking fenestrations and tropical appearance, have been popular since the mid-20th century, particularly in mid-century modern interiors.
—Cori Sears, The Spruce, 24 Feb. 2026
High humidity, bright indirect light, and warm temperatures are essential for healthy growth and proper leaf fenestration.
—Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 18 Jan. 2026
Similar to the much-smaller Monstera adansonii, the 'Esqueleto' variety has super-sized leaves with huge fenestrations (or holes) in the leaves.
—Andrea Beck, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Oct. 2025
The Thomas house sits close to the street and, with minimal fenestration besides a huge bank of Mondrian-style frosted windows alongside the front door, is oriented to take advantage of its high mountainside perch.
—Mark David, Robb Report, 9 Sep. 2025
The revolving doors and complex fenestration made entering the museum crowded and confusing.
—Dodie Kazanjian, Vogue, 5 Aug. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Fenestration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fenestration. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
fenestration
noun
fen·es·tra·tion
ˌfen-ə-ˈstrā-shən
1
a
: a natural or surgically created opening in a surface
b
: the presence of such openings
2
: a surgical procedure that involves cutting an opening in the bony labyrinth between the inner ear and tympanum to replace natural fenestrae that are not functional (as in otosclerosis)
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