embrasure: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2/RareFormal/Technical
Quick answer
What does “embrasure” mean?
An opening in a fortified wall or parapet, typically wider on the inside, designed for shooting through or admitting light.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An opening in a fortified wall or parapet, typically wider on the inside, designed for shooting through or admitting light.
A recessed opening in a wall, especially one for a window or door that is splayed inward. It can also refer to a similar opening in the side of a ship or aircraft for a gun.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Carries the same connotations of historical fortifications, castles, and traditional stone architecture in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialised in both British and American English.
Grammar
How to Use “embrasure” in a Sentence
The N (in/of the N)an embrasure for (a gun/window)through the embrasureVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical, architectural, and military history texts.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would likely be replaced by 'opening' or 'window recess'.
Technical
Standard precise term in architecture (for window/door detailing) and military engineering (for fortifications).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “embrasure”
- Confusing it with 'embrace' due to similar spelling.
- Using it for any window opening rather than specifically a splayed one.
- Misspelling as 'embrazure'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a rare, specialised term used almost exclusively in architectural, historical, and military contexts.
It is splayed or bevelled, meaning it is wider on the inside than on the outside.
Technically, yes, if the window is set in a splayed recess in a thick wall. However, the term is most strongly associated with older, stone construction.
They are often synonymous in a military context. However, 'loophole' can imply a smaller, slit-like opening, while 'embrasure' specifically denotes the splayed shape. 'Loophole' also has a common figurative meaning (a legal technicality), which 'embrasure' does not.
An opening in a fortified wall or parapet, typically wider on the inside, designed for shooting through or admitting light.
Embrasure is usually formal/technical in register.
Embrasure: in British English it is pronounced /ɪmˈbreɪʒə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɪmˈbreɪʒər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a soldier BRACING in a castle's EMBRASURE, aiming his weapon through the splayed opening.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE WALL IS A FACE WITH EYES (the embrasures allow it to 'see' and 'respond' to threats).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'embrasure' LEAST likely to be used correctly?