sill

noun

ˈsil 

1

: a horizontal piece (such as a timber) that forms the lowest member or one of the lowest members of a framework or supporting structure: such as

a

: the horizontal member at the base of a window

b

: the threshold of a door

2

: a tabular body of igneous rock injected while molten between sedimentary or volcanic beds or along foliation planes of metamorphic rocks

3

: a submerged ridge at relatively shallow depth separating the basins of two bodies of water

Examples of sill in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Set them on sills, stands, and shelves wherever natural light streams in. —Berit Thorkelson, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Apr. 2025

Other tasks may include repairing flagstone patio, replacing log sills and reglazing windows. —Nwa Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 14 Apr. 2025

Even with the Jackson news, the Panthers sill have some work to do to fill out a pretty young returning group of defensive backs. —Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 10 Mar. 2025

Of course, 70th anniversary logos are found throughout, featuring on the wheel arches, door sill and headrests. —Trinity Francis, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English sille, from Old English syll; akin to Old High German swelli beam, threshold

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for sill

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

Kids Definition

sill

noun

ˈsil 

1

: a horizontal piece (as a timber) that forms the lowest part of a supporting structure: as

a

: the horizontal piece at the base of a window

b

: the timber or stone at the foot of a door : threshold

2

: a flat mass of igneous rock injected while melted between other rocks