valance

noun va·lance \ ˈva-lən(t)s , ˈvā- \

|Updated on: 22 May 2018

Definition of valance

1 : a drapery hung along the edge of a bed, table, altar, canopy, or shelf

2 : a short drapery or wood or metal frame used as a decorative heading to conceal the top of curtains and fixtures

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valanced

play \-lən(t)st\ adjective

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Recent Examples of valance from the Web

Chrome mirror caps dress the front doors, and four oval exhaust pipes peek out of the gloss black rear valance.

— emma jayne williams, star-telegram, "Kia’s all-new 2018 Stinger sport sedan offers premium features, performance | Fort Worth Star-Telegram," 12 May 2018
Gailani took top honors for her design of draperies, valances and cornices for a kitchen and breakfast area.

— michelle mullins, Naperville Sun, "Naperville People in the News," 20 Apr. 2018
At the rear are four-inch black chrome quad exhaust tips and a black lower valance.

— mark maynard, sandiegouniontribune.com, "2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk: In hot pursuit," 2 Feb. 2018
Silk draperies and an 18-inch-high valance create a decorative framework around the window.

— norman kolpas, ELLE Decor, "Candice Olson's Divine Design: Bedtime Story," 5 July 2012

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'valance.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Illustration of valance

Origin and Etymology of valance

Middle English valaunce, borrowed from Anglo-French valence, probably from valer "to lower" + -ence, -ance -ance — more at vail

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

Other Household Terms

cruet, curiosity, duvet, fiasco, sham, taper, whatnot

VALANCE Defined for English Language Learners

valance

noun

Definition of valance for English Language Learners

: a short piece of cloth or a wooden or metal frame that is placed across the top of a window for decoration
: a piece of material that hangs loosely from the frame of a bed or along a table or shelf for decoration