marigold window: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Technical, Literary
Quick answer
What does “marigold window” mean?
A circular window, often found in Gothic architecture, with tracery radiating from the centre, resembling the petals of a flower.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A circular window, often found in Gothic architecture, with tracery radiating from the centre, resembling the petals of a flower.
A term for a rose window in some regional architectural vocabularies. In modern contexts, can be used poetically to describe any round, decorative window.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both terms are rare, but 'rose window' is universally standard in both. 'Marigold window' has slightly more historical usage in UK architectural texts describing certain English Gothic cathedrals.
Connotations
UK: Archaic, historical, descriptive of a specific design. US: Highly obscure; 'rose window' is almost exclusively used. In the US, the term might be misinterpreted as a literal window with marigold flowers.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both varieties. 'Rose window' is the common term (>99% usage). 'Marigold window' is encountered almost solely in specialised historical or architectural literature.
Grammar
How to Use “marigold window” in a Sentence
The [cathedral] features a [adjective] marigold window.A marigold window [verb: dominates/illuminates/crowns] the [architectural element].The tracery of the marigold window is [adjective].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “marigold window” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The façade is marigold-windowed, a hallmark of the period.
- The architect marigold-windowed the east end, creating a stunning focal point.
American English
- The design marigold-windows the transept gable.
- They planned to marigold-window the new chapel's rear wall.
adverb
British English
- The light fell marigold-window-wise across the nave.
- The tracery was arranged marigold-window-fashion.
American English
- The glass was set marigold-window-style in the arch.
- The facade was decorated marigold-window-like.
adjective
British English
- The marigold-windowed transept is the building's glory.
- It's a fine example of marigold-window tracery.
American English
- The marigold-window design was popular in English Gothic.
- The marigold-window effect was achieved with complex stonework.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in art history, architectural history, and heritage studies papers describing specific Gothic features. Example: 'The north transept is notable for its early 14th-century marigold window.'
Everyday
Virtually never used. A layperson would say 'the big round stained-glass window' or 'the rose window'.
Technical
Used in precise architectural descriptions, conservation reports, and detailed guidebooks for historic buildings to specify a rose window with a particular radiating, petal-like tracery pattern.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “marigold window”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “marigold window”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “marigold window”
- Using 'marigold window' in casual conversation instead of 'rose window'.
- Misspelling as 'marygold window'.
- Assuming it refers to a window box where marigolds are planted.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a rare and specialised architectural term. The common term for this feature is 'rose window'.
Not accurately. It specifically describes a round window with stone tracery (the dividing bars) that radiates from the centre in a petal-like pattern, typical of Gothic architecture.
All marigold windows are rose windows, but not all rose windows are marigold windows. 'Marigold window' is a more specific sub-type, emphasizing a particular radiating, flower-like tracery design. In modern usage, the terms are often used interchangeably by non-specialists, but 'rose window' is the umbrella term.
In Gothic cathedrals and churches, particularly in the UK and France. Famous examples can be found at Notre-Dame de Paris (the north and south rose windows) and Chartres Cathedral. The term is more likely to be used in detailed architectural guidebooks for these buildings.
A circular window, often found in Gothic architecture, with tracery radiating from the centre, resembling the petals of a flower.
Marigold window is usually formal, technical, literary in register.
Marigold window: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmær.ɪ.ɡəʊld ˈwɪn.dəʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmer.ə.ɡoʊld ˈwɪn.doʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. It is a technical term, not used idiomatically.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a giant MARIGOLD flower pressed into the stone wall of a cathedral, its yellow petals made of stained glass, forming a window.
Conceptual Metaphor
ARCHITECTURE IS BOTANY (A window is a flower). LIGHT IS A FLOWER (Radiating light is like radiating petals).
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'marigold window' primarily?