window

Opening in the wall of a building for light and air, and sometimes for framing a view. Since early times, the openings have been filled with stone, wooden, or iron grilles, with panes of glass or other translucent material such as mica or, in East Asia, paper. A window in a vertically sliding frame is called a sash window: a single-hung sash has only one half that moves; in a double-hung sash, both parts slide. A casement window swings open on hinges attached to the upright side of the frame. Awning windows swing outward on hinges attached to the top of the frame; hopper windows swing inward on hinges attached to the bottom of the frame. Large, fixed (nonoperating) areas of glass are commonly called picture windows. A bay window (see oriel) is an exterior projection of a bay of a building that also forms an interior recess, providing better light and view than would a window flush with the building line. See also Diocletian window; rose window; sh.

Find more information on window. Upgrade to Britannica Online for more on window.