noun
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decorative geometrical carving or openwork
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any similar pattern of light and dark
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ornamental work of three-dimensional frets
Etymology
Origin of fretwork
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.
The piece takes inspiration from Chinese fretwork patterns, Art Noveau designs and German sculptor Hugo Leven’s iconic pewter bat candelabras.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 17, 2026
US guitarist Carol Kaye, whose fretwork can be heard on classic tracks like You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling and the theme to Mission: Impossible, receives the same honour.
From BBC ● Apr. 27, 2025
Mr. Eddy influenced a multitude of rock guitarists, including George Harrison, Jimi Hendrix and Bruce Springsteen, whose plunging guitar lines on “Born to Run” pay homage to Mr. Eddy’s muscular fretwork.
From New York Times ● May 1, 2024
Its fretwork of thin glass tubes was bent and shaped to resemble an old-fashioned bellows camera.
From Washington Post ● Apr. 16, 2023
It is set in a cupboard whose door he has replaced with a fretwork arch.
From "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel
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