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entablature

American  
[en-tab-luh-cher, -choor] / ɛnˈtæb lə tʃər, -ˌtʃʊər /

noun

Architecture.
  1. the entire construction of a classical temple or the like between the columns and the eaves, usually composed of an architrave, a frieze, and a cornice.


entablature British  
/ ɛnˈtæblətʃə /

noun

  1. the part of a classical temple above the columns, having an architrave, a frieze, and a cornice

  2. any construction of similar form

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of entablature

1605–15; < Middle French < Italian intavolatura; see in- 2, table, -ate 1, -ure

Vocabulary lists containing entablature

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Running across the top is an elaborate entablature.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

Jefferson wrote his last letter to Hemings in August 1825, concerned mostly with the roof and interior entablature.

From Washington Post • Apr. 23, 2023

There is an entablature of shingles resting on the board and batten siding, forming the interior walls.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 6, 2021

Bas reliefs on the entablature feature important thinkers such as Booker T. Washington and Frederick Douglass.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 14, 2021

Unlike the austere walls of the corridor, this room mimicked the architecture of Weep, with columns supporting an ornamental entablature and soaring, fan-vaulted ceiling.

From "Strange the Dreamer" by Laini Taylor

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