window
A1 (Extremely high frequency)Neutral (Used in all registers from informal to formal)
Definition
Meaning
An opening in a wall, vehicle, or other structure, fitted with glass or other transparent material to allow light and air in while keeping weather out; the glass pane itself.
A rectangular area on a computer screen that displays data for a specific application; an interval of time or opportunity for action; a metaphorical opening or means of observation.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word is highly polysemous, covering a concrete physical object, a time interval, a computational object, and a metaphorical frame. The core meaning is physical, but computational and temporal meanings are now very common.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal differences in meaning. BrE historically uses 'shop window', whereas AmE uses 'store window' (though 'shop window' is understood). AmE slightly prefers 'windowpane' for the glass itself, while BrE may use 'window' or 'pane'.
Connotations
Similar connotations of opportunity ('window of opportunity'), display ('window shopping'), and vulnerability ('like throwing money out the window').
Frequency
Extremely high frequency in both dialects with no significant variation.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[N] + VERB + window (e.g., 'clean/break/install a window')[Adj] + window (e.g., 'large/arched/double-glazed window')window + [Prep Phrase] (e.g., 'window on the world', 'window to the soul')Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “window shopping”
- “out the window”
- “window of opportunity”
- “window to the soul”
- “throw money out the window”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
'We have a narrow window to close the deal before the quarter ends.' (time interval)
Academic
'The data suggests a launch window in early November.' (specific interval)
Everyday
'Can you please close the window? It's getting cold.' (physical object)
Technical
'Minimise all other windows and focus on the terminal.' (computing)
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The new flats will be windowed with double-glazed units for efficiency.
- The architect windowed the south-facing wall to maximise light.
American English
- The software allows you to window multiple documents for side-by-side comparison.
- The builder windowed the addition with energy-efficient models.
adverb
British English
- (Rare/Non-standard as a standalone adverb; appears in compounds like 'window-wise')
American English
- (Rare/Non-standard as a standalone adverb)
adjective
British English
- We chose a window seat on the train for the view.
- The window frame needs repainting.
American English
- She preferred the window seat on the airplane.
- Check the window screen for any tears.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The cat is sitting on the window sill.
- It's hot in here. Please open the window.
- I can see the garden from my window.
- We have a beautiful bay window in the living room.
- He stared out the window, lost in thought.
- The storm broke a window in the shed.
- The new tax law creates a window for investments until the end of the year.
- Arrange the application windows so you can see both documents.
- The documentary provided a fascinating window into their culture.
- The launch window for the mission is exceptionally narrow due to planetary alignment.
- Critics accused the policy of being mere window dressing for deeper systemic issues.
- Her eyes were often described as windows to a profound and melancholy soul.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of WIND + O. The WIND comes in through the O-pening.
Conceptual Metaphor
WINDOWS ARE OPPORTUNITIES FOR PERCEPTION/ACTION ('window of opportunity', 'window into his mind').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calques like '*windy eye' for 'окно'. 'Window' is the correct equivalent.
- The computational 'window' is 'окно' in Russian, so this transfers directly.
- Do not confuse with 'vitrine' (витрина), which is specifically a display window or showcase.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'widnow'. Remember: WIND-OW.
- Using the preposition 'in' incorrectly (e.g., 'look in the window' vs. 'look out of/through the window').
- Confusing 'window' (frame + glass) with just the 'windowpane' (the glass sheet).
Practice
Quiz
In a computing context, what does 'window' most specifically refer to?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it's less common. It can mean 'to furnish with windows' (architecture) or 'to display in separate windows' (computing).
A 'window' typically refers to the whole unit (frame, sash, glass). A 'windowpane' refers specifically to the sheet of glass within the window.
It means 'gone, wasted, or discarded', e.g., 'All our careful planning went out the window when the rules changed.'
It's a metaphor: just as a window is an opening in a wall, a 'window of time/opportunity' is an opening between other events where something is possible.
Collections
Part of a collection
Transport
A2 · 48 words · Ways of getting from place to place.