window

noun

win·​dow ˈwin-(ˌ)dō 

often attributive

1

a

: an opening especially in the wall of a building for admission of light and air that is usually closed by casements or sashes containing transparent material (such as glass) and capable of being opened and shut

b

: windowpane

c

: a space behind a window of a retail store containing displayed merchandise

d

: an opening in a partition or wall through which business is conducted

a bank teller's window

2

: a means of entrance or access

especially : a means of obtaining information

a window on history

3

: an opening (such as a shutter, slot, or valve) that resembles or suggests a window

4

: the transparent panel or opening of a window envelope

5

: the framework (such as a shutter or sash with its fittings) that closes a window opening

6

: chaff sense 4

7

: a range of wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum to which a planet's atmosphere is transparent

8

a

: an interval of time within which a rocket or spacecraft must be launched to accomplish a particular mission

b

: an interval of time during which certain conditions or an opportunity exists

a window of vulnerability

9

: an area at the limits of the earth's sensible atmosphere through which a spacecraft must pass for successful reentry

10

: any of various rectangular boxes appearing on a computer screen that display files or program output, that can usually be moved and resized, and that facilitate multitasking

windowless

ˈwin-dō-ləs 

-də-

adjective

Phrases

out the window

: out of existence, use, or consideration

Examples of window in a Sentence

She opened a window to let in some air.

I looked out the window and saw a deer.

He used vinegar and water to wash the windows.

He accidentally broke a window.

Can you roll down the car window?

The windows along 5th Avenue were all decorated for Christmas.

I saw a beautiful dress in the window.

He sits behind a window and sells movie tickets.

Make sure the address shows through the window in the envelope.

A window opened in the fog and we could finally see the ocean.

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Recent Examples on the Web

While still on the phone with the Sheriff’s Department, the resident told dispatchers the man had gotten into the home through a window, Jarjura said. —Lyndsay Winkley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Nov. 2023

Fresh cranberries are ready to harvest from mid-September through mid-November, so Thanksgiving falls within that perfect window for eating them. —Serina Desalvio, Discover Magazine, 18 Nov. 2023

The inmates made their way out of the detention center through a damaged window and a cut fence, the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement at the time of the escape. —Mike Gagliardi, NBC News, 18 Nov. 2023

Iggy is also pregnant and is currently in her expected delivery window. —Ingrid Vasquez, Peoplemag, 17 Nov. 2023

After a short break in this week’s storms, rain is expected to resume across the Los Angeles area Friday evening and continue into Saturday morning, delivering half an inch to an inch of precipitation during that window. —Alexandra E. Petri, Los Angeles Times, 17 Nov. 2023

The military park’s history offers a window into the United States’ attitude toward postwar reconciliation – one often willing to overlook racial equality in the name of national and political unity. —Rebecca Sheehan, The Conversation, 17 Nov. 2023

Hundreds of pages of court documents offer a window into details about Epstein’s web of influence in the US territory. —Ava Benny-Morrison, Fortune, 17 Nov. 2023

The property features soaring ceilings, many large windows that fill each room with natural light, as well as exquisite crown molding, ceiling medallions, chandeliers, Corinthian columns, and a marble fireplace. —Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 16 Nov. 2023

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Word History

Etymology

Middle English windowe, from Old Norse vindauga, from vindr wind (akin to Old English wind) + auga eye; akin to Old English ēage eye — more at eye

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing window

• bow window
• double-hung window
• bay window
• bull's-eye window
• go out the window
• French window
• lancet window
• launch window
• oval window
• sash window
• storm window
• throw (something) out the window
• picture window
• round window
• window dressing
• window seat
• window box
• window-shop
• window treatment
• window of opportunity
• show window
• rose window
• window display
• window shade
• oriel window
• a window into/on
• window envelope
• transom window
• out the window

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• bow window
• double-hung window
• bay window
• bull's-eye window
• go out the window
• French window
• lancet window
• launch window
• oval window
• sash window
• storm window
• throw (something) out the window
• picture window
• round window
• window dressing
• window seat
• window box
• window-shop
• window treatment
• window of opportunity
• show window
• rose window
• window display
• window shade
• oriel window
• a window into/on
• window envelope
• transom window
• out the window

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Kids Definition

window

noun

win·​dow ˈwin-dō 

1

: an opening in a wall for letting in light or air

2

: windowpane

3

: an opening in a partition or wall through which business is conducted

a bank teller's window

4

: a period of time during which a certain condition exists

a window of opportunity

5

: any of the areas into which a computer display may be divided and on which distinctly different types of information are displayed

windowless adjective

Etymology

from early Norse vindauga, literally "wind's eye," from vindr "wind" and auga "eye"

Word Origin

The English word window comes from an early Norse word vindauga. Vindauga was formed by a combination of vindr, meaning "wind," and auga, meaning "eye." Vindauga could be translated as "wind's eye." A window can be thought of as an eye, or hole, through which the wind can enter.

Medical Definition

window

noun

win·​dow ˈwin-(ˌ)dō, -də(-w) 

1

: fenestra sense 1

2

: a small surgically created opening : fenestra sense 2a

3

: a usually narrow interval of time or range of values for which a certain condition or an opportunity exists

coma and multiorgan failure can occur within hours and there may be a very narrow window of opportunity for transplantation

—J. P. A. Lodge

see therapeutic window