Window: meaning, definitions and examples

๐ŸชŸ
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window

 

[ หˆwษชndษ™สŠ ]

Noun / Verb
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Noun

building

An opening in the wall or roof of a building, typically with glass in it, for admission of light and air.

Synonyms

aperture, opening, portal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
window

A glass-filled opening in a wall typically used to let light in and for viewing outside.

  • She looked out the window to see the beautiful garden
  • Please close the window, it's getting cold
opening

A general term that can refer to any gap, hole, or space, which can be in walls, containers, or other objects.

  • There was an opening in the fence where the dog escaped
  • The opening at the top of the bottle was too small to pour the liquid easily
aperture

A technical term often used in photography and optics, referring to a hole or opening through which light travels.

  • Adjust the aperture to control the exposure of your photograph
  • The camera's aperture must be set correctly for the best photo
portal

An entrance or gateway, often used in a more grand or mystical sense, sometimes found in literature or fantasy contexts.

  • They walked through the ancient portal into another realm
  • The secret portal was hidden behind the old bookshelf

Examples of usage

  • The sun shone through the window.
  • She opened the window to let in some fresh air.
Context #2 | Noun

computing

A rectangular area on a computer screen in which a user can view the contents of one file while being able to see another file.

Synonyms

interface, screen, viewport.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
window

Typically refers to a framed area on a computer screen where an application or document is displayed. It can also denote an opening in a wall or vehicle to let in light and air.

  • I opened a new window in my browser to search for recipes.
  • She looked out the window to see the snow falling.
screen

Usually denotes the physical part of an electronic device, like a monitor or TV, where information is displayed. It can also mean a barrier used to block, protect, or conceal something.

  • He spends hours each day looking at a computer screen.
  • A screen was set up to block the view of the construction site.
interface

Refers to the point of interaction between components, such as between software, hardware, or human users and a computer system. It emphasizes the functionality and design for user interaction.

  • The software has a very user-friendly interface.
  • You need to interface the printer with the computer using a USB cable.
viewport

Commonly used in web development, it refers to the visible area of a webpage on different devices. It is also used in graphics and CAD software to describe the portion of the workspace that is visible on the screen.

  • The webpage didnโ€™t look right on my phone because the viewport wasnโ€™t correctly set.
  • In the CAD program, adjust the viewport to focus on the area you are working on.

Examples of usage

  • I had my email program open in one window and my web browser in another.
Context #3 | Verb

computing

Display or be displayed in a window.

Synonyms

display, present, show.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
window

Used to describe an opening in a wall, vehicle, or device to let light or air in or to see through. It can also refer to a period of time available for an activity or an opportunity.

  • She looked out the window to see the beautiful garden.
  • We have a two-hour window to finish the project.
display

Often used when referring to the act of showing something so that it can be seen by the public. It could be an exhibition, an electronic screen showing data, or behavior that is meant to be seen.

  • The museum will display ancient artifacts next month.
  • The laptop has a high-resolution display.
show

General term for making something visible to others, often used in informal or casual contexts. It can relate to demonstrating an object, a skill, or expressing emotions.

  • Let me show you how to use this app.
  • He showed everyone his new tattoo.
present

Commonly used for formally showing or offering something to a person or a group, such as information, a proposal, or an award. It implies a degree of preparation and formality.

  • She will present her research findings at the conference.
  • He presented the award to the winner.

Examples of usage

  • The error message window popped up on the screen.

Translations

Translations of the word "window" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น janela

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค–เคฟเคกเคผเค•เฅ€

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Fenster

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ jendela

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฒั–ะบะฝะพ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ okno

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ็ช“ (ใพใฉ)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท fenรชtre

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ ventana

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท pencere

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ฐฝ๋ฌธ (changmun)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู†ุงูุฐุฉ (naafida)

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ okno

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ okno

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็ช—ๆˆท (chuฤnghรน)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ okno

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ gluggi

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั‚ะตั€ะตะทะต

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒคแƒแƒœแƒฏแƒแƒ แƒ (panjara)

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ pษ™ncษ™rษ™

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ ventana

Etymology

The word 'window' originated from the Old Norse word 'vindauga', which is a combination of 'vindr' meaning 'wind' and 'auga' meaning 'eye'. The concept of a window as an opening in a wall to let in light and air has been around for centuries, with various forms of windows found in different cultures throughout history. Windows have evolved from simple openings covered with cloth or animal hide to the glass windows we are familiar with today.

See also: unwind, unwinding, upwind, wind, windbag, windbreaker, windcheater, windfall, winding, windingly, windings, windpipe, windproof, windward, windy.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,495, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.