grille

noun

ˈgril 

variants or grill

1

: a grating forming a barrier or screen

especially : an ornamental one at the front end of an automobile

2

: an opening covered with a grille

3

usually grill : a set of metallic covers for the teeth

Examples of grille in a Sentence

The vent was covered with a grille.

The truck has a large metal grille at the front.

Recent Examples on the Web

On the Hommage, the grille is a three-dimensional structure machined from a solid block of aluminum, flowing organically into the surrounding bodywork. —Karl Brauer, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026

The new car is wider and looks even lower than the original, and the effect is enhanced by the new headlights and larger grille. —Byron Hurd, The Drive, 22 Jan. 2026

Major exterior changes include new grille, headlights, bumper and wheel designs. —James Raia, Mercury News, 18 Jan. 2026

Traditionally homes had metal grilles, but modern homes may use fiberglass or plastic covers. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 16 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French grille, from Old French graille, from Latin craticula, diminutive of cratis wickerwork — more at hurdle

First Known Use

1686, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for grille

• bill
• brill
• chill
• drill
• fil
• fill
• frill
• gill
• grill
• jill
• kill
• krill

Kids Definition

grille

noun

variants or grill

ˈgril 

1

: a grating forming a barrier or screen

2

: an opening covered with a grille