Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

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.

See Examples For:

Running across the top is an elaborate entablature.

From The Wall Street Journal May 8, 2026

Hemings installed the finishing touch, the parlor entablature, or ceiling molding, in 1826 when Jefferson was near death.

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

He notes the pedimented window lintels, the Doric pilasters, the bracketed entablature, the black cruciform paneled door.

From "The Namesake" by Jhumpa Lahiri

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Dictionary.com's Learning Companion

Go beyond just looking up words.
Remember them forever with VocabTrainer.

Start training