window

window

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Pronunciation

The IPA phonetic spelling for "window" is /ˈwɪndoʊ/.

• win-: /w/, /ɪ/, /n/

• -dow: /d/, /oʊ/

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Word Form Variations

• Singular Noun: window

• Plural Noun: windows

• Verb (base form): window (less common, usually used in specific contexts like "to window shop" or "to window a document")

• Verb (third-person singular present): windows

• Verb (present participle): windowing

• Verb (past tense/past participle): windowed

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Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms

Noun

1. A framed opening in a wall or roof of a building, vehicle, or other enclosure, fitted with panes of glass or other transparent material, designed to admit light or air and allow occupants to see out.

• Synonyms: opening, aperture, pane, casement, skylight, dormer

• Antonyms: wall (in the sense of a solid barrier), barrier, enclosure (when completely sealed)

2. An interval or opportunity for action; a limited period of time during which something can be done.

• Synonyms: opportunity, chance, opening, slot, period, interval, timeframe

• Antonyms: closure, cutoff, deadline, impasse, lack of opportunity

Verb

1. To provide with windows. (Less common in general usage, but used in construction or design contexts)

• Synonyms: glaze, fit with windows

• Antonyms: wall up, close off, block

2. To display goods in a store window; to examine goods displayed in a store window without intending to buy them. (Commonly used in the phrase "window shop")

• Synonyms: display, exhibit, showcase, browse, glance at

• Antonyms: buy, purchase, ignore

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Examples of Use

Books:

• "He stood for a long moment by the window, looking out at the rain-swept street, a feeling of desolation settling upon him." (From a work of fiction, illustrating the noun form)

• "The architect's design incorporated large picture windows to maximize natural light and offer expansive views of the surrounding landscape." (From an architectural design book, May 2023)

Newspapers:

• "The city council opened a new window for public comments on the proposed zoning changes, extending the deadline by two weeks." ( The New York Times, April 2024)

• "Police are appealing for witnesses after a brick was thrown through the window of a local business last night." (Local Gazette, March 2025)

Online Publications:

• "To improve security, many online banking platforms now offer a short window during which users can confirm suspicious transactions." (TechCrunch, November 2024)

• "The latest software update aims to fix several bugs and optimize how applications window on the desktop, allowing for more fluid multitasking." (The Verge, January 2025)

Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:

• Film: (Character looking out a window at a stormy sea) "The storm raged outside, rattling the panes of the window as she watched." (From a film dialogue, released 2023)

• Television: (News report on a political election) "Analysts suggest there's a narrow window of opportunity for the trailing candidate to gain momentum before election day." (CNN, September 2024)

• Video Games: (In-game tutorial text) "Press 'Tab' to bring up your inventory window." (Displayed in a popular role-playing game, 2022)

• Music: "Looking through the window of my soul, I see a reflection of a world grown cold." (From song lyrics, October 2023)

General Public Discourse:

• "I need to replace a broken window in my car." (Common conversation)

• "We have a small window of time to get this project finished before the deadline." (Workplace conversation)

• "Let's go window shopping this weekend, I need some retail therapy even if I'm not buying anything." (Casual conversation)

• "Can you open the window? It's getting a bit stuffy in here." (Everyday request)

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10 Famous Quotes Using Window

1. "A window of opportunity exists for those who are willing to take risks." (Al Gore)

2. "The soul, fortunately, has an interpreter – often an unconscious but still a faithful interpreter – in the eye." (Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre)

3. "Every book is a window to the world." (Anonymous)

4. "Home is where the heart is, but a window is where the light is." (Chinese Proverb)

5. "A opened window is a sign of hope." (Turkish Proverb)

6. "There is a window in your heart, through which you can see yourself." (Rumi)

7. "I always felt that the great high privilege, relief and comfort of friendship was that one had to explain nothing." (Katherine Mansfield)

8. "When one door closes, another window opens." (Alexander Graham Bell)

9. "The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled." (Plutarch)

10. "And when you crush a window of glass and it breaks, it doesn't do good to anyone." (Malala Yousafzai)

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Etymology

The word "window" comes from Old Norse, which was the language spoken by the Vikings. It's a combination of two words:

• "vindr" meaning "wind"

• "auga" meaning "eye"

So, literally, "window" meant "wind-eye" or "eye for the wind."

This makes a lot of sense when you think about it! Before glass was commonly used, a "window" was simply an unglazed opening in a wall, often with a shutter, to let in air and some light. It was essentially an "eye" for the house to "see" the wind and let it in.

The first known use of the word in English, with this "wind-eye" meaning, dates back to the early 13th century. Over time, as glass became more widespread, the meaning evolved to specifically refer to the framed, glazed openings we know today.

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Phrases + Idioms Containing Window

• Window of opportunity: A limited period during which something can be done.

• Window shopping: The activity of looking at goods displayed in shop windows without intending to buy them.

• Throw out the window: To discard or abandon something, often suddenly or carelessly.

• Open a window on/to something: To provide insight into a situation or topic.

• Look out the window: To observe something from inside.

• Closed window: A missed opportunity or a situation where further progress is not possible.

• Through the window: As a means of entry, exit, or observation.

• Shattered window: A sign of damage, destruction, or a broken system.

• Back window: The rear viewing portal of a vehicle.

• Dirty window: Something that obstructs clear vision or understanding.

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Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA

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Source Information

Definition of window from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.

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