fretwork
noun
fret·work
ˈfret-ˌwərk 
1
: decoration consisting of work adorned with frets
2
: ornamental openwork or work in relief
Examples of fretwork in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The walnut fretwork screens in the entry are fitted with glass panels treated with gold and copper leaf.
—
Carlos Mota, ELLE Decor, 7 July 2023
The duo brought diverging sensibilities to their collaborations: Growing up, Thorn collected punk, pop, and soul singles; Watt worshiped the fretwork of John Martyn and Neil Young.
—Vulture, 24 Apr. 2023
Its fretwork of thin glass tubes was bent and shaped to resemble an old-fashioned bellows camera.
—John Kelly, Washington Post, 16 Apr. 2023
Armed with frenetic fretwork and screeching riffs, the man impressed with every improvisational note, and the crowd loved it.
—Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 23 Feb. 2023
The artist’s fancy fretwork can also be heard on Ozzy Osbourne’s upcoming album, Patient Number 9, which will be released Sept. 9 by Epic.
—Jonathan Cohen, SPIN, 1 Sep. 2022
Jones’ fretwork is crucial to Tool’s sound, brilliantly connecting the sonic threads between prog, psychedelia, heavy metal, and post-grunge.
—Spin Staff, SPIN, 6 Sep. 2022
The design for Audley Square Redevelopment will bring porticos and balconies to the façade of the building, plus sculptural balustrades and ornate fretwork.
—Amy Dobson, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2021
Client’s own, modified with finials and fretwork from O’verlays.
—Mary Elizabeth Andriotis, House Beautiful, 25 Aug. 2021
See More
Carlos Mota, ELLE Decor, 7 July 2023
The duo brought diverging sensibilities to their collaborations: Growing up, Thorn collected punk, pop, and soul singles; Watt worshiped the fretwork of John Martyn and Neil Young.
—Vulture, 24 Apr. 2023
Its fretwork of thin glass tubes was bent and shaped to resemble an old-fashioned bellows camera.
—John Kelly, Washington Post, 16 Apr. 2023
Armed with frenetic fretwork and screeching riffs, the man impressed with every improvisational note, and the crowd loved it.
—Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 23 Feb. 2023
The artist’s fancy fretwork can also be heard on Ozzy Osbourne’s upcoming album, Patient Number 9, which will be released Sept. 9 by Epic.
—Jonathan Cohen, SPIN, 1 Sep. 2022
Jones’ fretwork is crucial to Tool’s sound, brilliantly connecting the sonic threads between prog, psychedelia, heavy metal, and post-grunge.
—Spin Staff, SPIN, 6 Sep. 2022
The design for Audley Square Redevelopment will bring porticos and balconies to the façade of the building, plus sculptural balustrades and ornate fretwork.
—Amy Dobson, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2021
Client’s own, modified with finials and fretwork from O’verlays.
—Mary Elizabeth Andriotis, House Beautiful, 25 Aug. 2021
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fretwork.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1601, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near fretwork
Cite this Entry
“Fretwork.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fretwork. Accessed 21 Sep. 2023.
Copy Citation
Kids Definition
fretwork
noun
fret·work
ˈfret-ˌwərk
: decoration consisting of frets
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share