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 piece takes inspiration from Chinese fretwork patterns, Art Noveau designs and German sculptor Hugo Leven’s iconic pewter bat candelabras.
—
Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026
The fretwork should match the song somewhat.
—David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026
In a distant forest, the monument to his reckless
fretwork rustles in the treetops
and hums with beehives
like the watts in a worn, weary amp
burning, crackling for release.
—Tyehimba Jess, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
Crumbled sidewalks were replaced by planks that covered the sludge that concealed the ancient wood fretwork that buried the bones of the metropolis and its people.
—Literary Hub, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for fretwork
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Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026
The fretwork should match the song somewhat.
—David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026
In a distant forest, the monument to his reckless
fretwork rustles in the treetops
and hums with beehives
like the watts in a worn, weary amp
burning, crackling for release.
—Tyehimba Jess, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
Crumbled sidewalks were replaced by planks that covered the sludge that concealed the ancient wood fretwork that buried the bones of the metropolis and its people.
—Literary Hub, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for fretwork
Cite this Entry
“Fretwork.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fretwork. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
fretwork
noun
fret·work
ˈfret-ˌwərk
: decoration consisting of frets
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