tracery

noun

trac·​ery ˈtrā-sə-rē 

ˈtrās-rē

plural traceries

1

: architectural ornamental work with branching lines

especially : decorative openwork in a Gothic window

2

: a decorative interlacing of lines suggestive of Gothic tracery

traceried

ˈtrā-sə-rēd 

ˈtrās-rēd

adjective

Illustration of tracery

• tracery 1

Examples of tracery in a Sentence

This window is an example of Gothic tracery.

the delicate tracery of a butterfly's wing

Recent Examples on the Web

But viewed in time-lapse there is a larger pattern in the lights, their tracery. —Ben Lerner, Harper's Magazine, 3 Nov. 2023

The spots begin to move, and slip-sliding traceries of luminosity explode. —Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2023

While nearly all the rooms are impressive, the study is definitely a showstopper with its fancy plaster tracery ceiling. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 19 Oct. 2023

Elsewhere, a paneled library is adorned with an elaborate plaster tracery ceiling and antique Tibetan doors that open to a private office. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 29 Sep. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1669, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

tracery

noun

trac·​ery ˈtrās-(ə-)rē 

plural traceries

: ornamental work with many branching lines