bezel

[ bez-uhl ]

noun

1. the diagonal face at the end of the blade of a chisel, or the like, leading to the edge.
2. Jewelry.
   1. that part of a ring, bracelet, etc., to which gems are attached.
   2. crown ( def 27 ).
3. a grooved ring or rim holding a gem, watch crystal, etc., in its setting.
4. Automotive. the part of a vehicle's bodywork that surrounds a light.
5. the plastic or metal rim framing and protecting the screen on a phone, tablet, or other device:

   Phones without visible bezels have a clean, minimalistic look, but when you’re always holding your phone by its screen, it smudges up pretty fast.

bezel

/ ˈbɛzəl /

noun

1. the sloping face adjacent to the working edge of a cutting tool
2. the upper oblique faces of a cut gem
3. a grooved ring or part holding a gem, watch crystal, etc
4. a retaining outer rim used in vehicle instruments, e.g. in tachometers and speedometers
5. a small indicator light used in vehicle instrument panels

Word History and Origins

Origin of bezel¹

First recorded in 1605–15; origin obscure; probably akin to French biseau bevel, chamfer

Word History and Origins

Origin of bezel¹

C17: probably from French biseau , perhaps from Latin bis twice

Example Sentences

The front of the device is completely flush, just the way I like it, and has just enough bezel to grip without it becoming too much or too little.

From TechCrunch

The hardware has a few Mario-specific touches, like a mushroom, warp pipe, and a star for the 3, 6, and 9-hour indicators on the bezel.

From Ars Technica

It, of course, features even more cool niceties, like Airplay and SmartThings support, HDR, and replaceable bezels to match your home’s aesthetic.

From Time

For its more expensive Pro models, Apple went with slightly larger displays than last year while shrinking the bezels around the edges.

From Fortune

It has an all-screen front featuring slim bezels and a hole-punch camera.

From Ars Technica

The bezel was turned inward, and, in the centre of that bezel, the blue diamond shone with all its glorious splendor.

From Project Gutenberg

From incised lines near the rim and on the edge of the bezel are small linear “hooks.”

From Project Gutenberg

The rim has a smaller edge and omits the heavy raised bezel usually occurring on the typical plates and chargers.

From Project Gutenberg

The tube is equipped with a mounting bezel to accept a camera or photomultiplier device.

From Project Gutenberg

Upon one face of the bezel the oval of King Armais, the last prince of the eighteenth dynasty, is engraved.

From Project Gutenberg