Windowsill: meaning, definitions and examples
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windowsill
[ ˈwɪndoʊˌsɪl ]
home interior
A windowsill is the horizontal surface at the bottom of a window. It often serves as a ledge to hold plants, decorations, or other items. In architecture, windowsills can also help direct water away from the interior of the building.
Synonyms
window ledge, window shelf
Examples of usage
- She placed the flower pot on the windowsill.
- The cat liked to sit on the windowsill and watch the birds.
- He decorated the windowsill with candles and photographs.
Translations
Translations of the word "windowsill" in other languages:
🇵🇹 parapeito
🇮🇳 खिड़की की चौखट
🇩🇪 Fensterbank
🇮🇩 ambang jendela
🇺🇦 підвіконня
🇵🇱 parapet
🇯🇵 窓台
🇫🇷 rebord de fenêtre
🇪🇸 alféizar
🇹🇷 pencere pervazı
🇰🇷 창턱
🇸🇦 حافة النافذة
🇨🇿 parapet
🇸🇰 parapet
🇨🇳 窗台
🇸🇮 okenski prag
🇮🇸 gluggaþrep
🇰🇿 терезе табаны
🇬🇪 חלון
🇦🇿 pəncərə altlığı
🇲🇽 alféizar
Etymology
The word 'windowsill' is a compound of 'window' and 'sill'. The term 'window' originates from the Old Norse word 'vindauga', which means 'wind eye', referring to the opening through which wind and light enter a building. The term 'sill' comes from the Old English word 'syll', meaning a ledge or support. The combination of these two elements into 'windowsill' reflects its function as a supportive surface at the bottom of a window opening, typically integrated into the architecture of buildings since medieval times. Historically, windowsills provided practical benefits, such as rain drainage and structural support for window casements, while also offering a decorative space within interior designs.