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.

Recent Examples on the Web

In some of the 2020 protests, even in San Diego, there were places where there were Black Lives Matter protesters and media reports said counter protesters showed up and started smashing windows. —Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Apr. 2024

With its first four episodes having been available for the full week while another four episodes became available the day before the viewing window ended, the reality season was watched for 265.3 million minutes. —Selome Hailu, Variety, 27 Apr. 2024

Legend has it that an elderly woman and long-term renter would sit by the window for hours. —The Arizona Republic, 27 Apr. 2024

The luxe accommodations can sleep up to 12 guests, with the owner’s suite distinguished by generous proportions and a giant window. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 26 Apr. 2024

Everyone takes turns admiring their unobstructed view of the Eiffel Tower, which can be seen from their living room windows and from the balconies. —Sabrina Weiss, Peoplemag, 26 Apr. 2024

There are no windows, just a large sign with the name of the restaurant. —Jacqueline Pinedo, Sacramento Bee, 25 Apr. 2024

Image: David Warren/Courtesy of Frederick Anderson On a warm April afternoon sunlight is flooding through the double height window of Frederick Anderson’s spanking new NoMad boutique, which is just around the corner from Dover Street Market. —Mark Holgate, Vogue, 25 Apr. 2024

If a pollster releases multiple polls within a 14-day window, those polls together receive the weight of one normal poll. —G. Elliott Morris, ABC News, 25 Apr. 2024

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

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

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