Definition of 'frieze'
Image of
frieze
© Elliotte Rusty Harold, shutterstock
Word Frequency
frieze in British English 1
noun
1. architecture
a.
the horizontal band between the architrave and cornice of a classical entablature, esp one that is decorated with sculpture
2.
any ornamental band or strip on a wall
Collins English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
Word origin
C16: from French frise, perhaps from Medieval Latin frisium, changed from Latin Phrygium Phrygian (work), from Phrygia Phrygia, famous for embroidery in gold
Word Frequency
frieze in American English 1
noun
1.
a decoration or series of decorations forming an ornamental band around a room, mantel, etc.
2. Architecture
a horizontal band, often decorated with sculpture, between the architrave and cornice
of a building
Webster’s New World College Dictionary, 4th Edition. Copyright © 2010 by
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. All rights reserved.
Word origin
Fr frise < ML frisium < ? Frank *frisi, a curl, akin to OE fris, crisped, curled; ? confused in folk-etym. by assoc. with ML frigium < L Phrygium, Phrygian: Phrygia was noted for embroidery in gold
Examples of 'frieze' in a sentence
frieze
These examples have been automatically selected and may contain sensitive content. Read more…
Word lists with
frieze
architectural features, fabricQuick word challenge
Quiz Review
Question: 1
-
Score: 0 / 5
Which architectural feature am I?
a convex moulding having a cross section in the form of a quarter of a circle or ellipse
Which architectural feature am I?
the apse of a Christian basilica that contains the bishop's throne
Which architectural feature am I?
a circular window, esp one that has ornamental tracery radiating from the centre to form a symmetrical roselike pattern
Which architectural feature am I?
the outward curve at each end of the shaft of a column, adjoining the base or capital
Your score:
Trends of
frieze
View usage for:
Browse alphabetically
frieze
Source
Definition of frieze from the Collins English Dictionary
Quick word challenge
Quiz Review
Question: 1
-
Score: 0 / 5
able or capable?
Drag the correct answer into the box.
capable
able
He's of loyalty.
chef or chief?
Which version is correct?
almost or nearly?
Which version is correct?
afraid or frightened?
Drag the correct answer into the box.
frightened
afraid
All I could see was a very dog.
brand or make?
Drag the correct answer into the box.
brand
make
This is my favourite of cereal.
Your score:
Word of the day
cyberathlete
a professional player of computer games
9 new words in Collins Dictionary
There is a scientific bent to 9 new words added to the Collins Online Dictionary, including three types of 'blot' tests, and words relating to electric vehicles.
Read more
Brush up on your Latin this Back to School
With the UK running a pilot study into teaching Latin in state schools, we look at common Latin phrases still in use today.
Read more
A little bird told me… 7 animal idioms
It’s new words time at Collins Dictionary and this month we see the addition of words like fingerling, net zero and emotional support animal. This month, there were a few animal-related additions.
Read more
Collins English Dictionary Apps
Download our English Dictionary apps - available for both iOS and Android.
Read more
Collins Dictionaries for Schools
Our new online dictionaries for schools provide a safe and appropriate environment for children. And best of all it's ad free, so sign up now and start using at home or in the classroom.
Read more
Word lists
We have almost 200 lists of words from topics as varied as types of butterflies, jackets, currencies, vegetables and knots!
Amaze your friends with your new-found knowledge!
Read more
Join the Collins community
All the latest wordy news, linguistic insights, offers and competitions every month.
Read more
Quick word challenge
Quiz Review
Question: 1
-
Score: 0 / 5
mat or matt?
Drag the correct answer into the box.
matt
mat
We settled for a creamy white emulsion.
discreet or discrete?
Drag the correct answer into the box.
discrete
discreet
Anna has two sets of friends
freeze or frieze?
Drag the correct answer into the box.
frieze
freeze
The top of the room featured a decorative .
thyme or time?
Which version is correct?
profit or prophet?
Which version is correct?
Your score: