cornice: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, architectural, technical
Quick answer
What does “cornice” mean?
A horizontal molded projection crowning a building, wall, or other architectural element, often decorative.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A horizontal molded projection crowning a building, wall, or other architectural element, often decorative.
Any similar decorative molding or projection, such as the top edge of a bookshelf or cabinet; in mountaineering, a wind-formed overhanging ledge of snow on a ridge.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. Slightly more common in UK architectural discourse.
Connotations
Connotes classical architecture, elegance, formality. In mountaineering, connotes danger.
Frequency
Low frequency in general language; specialized term in architecture and climbing.
Grammar
How to Use “cornice” in a Sentence
The cornice [runs along/is attached to] the [wall/ceiling].A cornice of [snow/plaster] [formed/projected].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cornice” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The Georgian house retains its original plaster cornice.
- The climbers avoided the unstable snow cornice on the ridge.
American English
- The renovation plan includes restoring the historic cornice.
- A dangerous cornice had formed on the mountain's east face.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in context of construction or interior design projects.
Academic
Common in art history, architecture, and archaeology texts.
Everyday
Very rare unless discussing home renovation or classical buildings.
Technical
Standard in architectural drawings, building conservation, and alpine climbing reports.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cornice”
- Confusing with 'crown molding' (US) or 'coving' (UK), which are related but not always identical.
- Using to mean any shelf or ledge.
- Mispronunciation: /kɔːrˈnaɪs/ (incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, its primary meaning is architectural, but it also has a specific meaning in mountaineering for an overhang of snow or ice.
A cornice is specifically a projecting, often decorative, top part. A ledge is a more general term for a narrow horizontal projection and lacks the decorative connotation.
Very rarely. The verb form 'to cornice' exists in architectural contexts (meaning to furnish with a cornice) but is highly specialized and uncommon.
No, it is a low-frequency, specialized term. Most learners will encounter it only in specific contexts like architecture, history, or climbing.
A horizontal molded projection crowning a building, wall, or other architectural element, often decorative.
Cornice is usually formal, architectural, technical in register.
Cornice: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɔː.nɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɔːr.nɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine CORNices growing along the top of a building like decorative, golden corn kernels.
Conceptual Metaphor
A HAT OR CROWN FOR A BUILDING (e.g., 'The building was crowned with an elaborate cornice.').
Practice
Quiz
In which field is 'cornice' a technical term for a hazardous formation?