window

noun

win·​dow ˈwin-(ˌ)dō How to pronounce window (audio)
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
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
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 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. See More
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 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'window.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of window was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near window

Cite this Entry

“Window.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/window. Accessed 3 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

window

noun
win·​dow ˈwin-dō How to pronounce window (audio)
1
: an opening in a wall for letting in light or air
2
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
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 transplantationJ. P. A. Lodge
see therapeutic window
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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