frieze

¹ American  

[freez] / friz /

noun

1. Architecture.

   1. the part of a classical entablature between the architrave and the cornice, usually decorated with sculpture in low relief.

   2. any decorative band on an outside wall, broader than a stringcourse and bearing lettering, sculpture, etc.

2. any decorative band at the top or beneath the cornice of an interior wall, a piece of furniture, etc.

3. Furniture. skirt.

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frieze ² American  

[freez] / friz /

noun

1. a heavy, napped woolen cloth for coats.

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frieze ¹ British  

/ friːz /

noun

1. a heavy woollen fabric with a long nap, used for coats, etc

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frieze ² British  

/ friːz /

noun

1. architect

   1. the horizontal band between the architrave and cornice of a classical entablature, esp one that is decorated with sculpture

   2. the upper part of the wall of a room, below the cornice, esp one that is decorated

2. any ornamental band or strip on a wall

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frieze Cultural  

1. An ornamental band that runs around a building. Friezes are usually on the exterior of a building and are often sculpted in bas-relief.

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Etymology

Origin of frieze¹

1555–65; < Middle French frise, perhaps < Medieval Latin phrygium, frigium, frisium embroidered cloth, embroidery, Latin Phrygium, neuter of Phrygius Phrygian

Origin of frieze²

1350–1400; Middle English frise < Old French; see frieze ¹

Explanation

A frieze is a decorative band, usually, but not always, above a doorframe or on the wall near the ceiling. You may find a frieze of sculptured angels too formal for the trim of your bedroom wall. You might not think of a frieze in the same category as a painting or a statue, but it can be a true work of art. One famous frieze is painted in a large circle on the inside of the United States Capitol building; it shows famous events in American history. Another is at the Parthenon, a temple from ancient Greece. Don’t confuse frieze with the more common term freeze, though they are pronounced the same way.

Example Sentences

Yet collectively they suggest a frieze on an antique sarcophagus, aligned on the rosy ledge across the bottom of the painting, their heads forming a horizontal row with that of Jesus.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 23, 2026

They kept the field dimensions, re-created the limestone and granite façade, preserved views up to the elevated rail tracks and approximated the original frieze above the upper deck.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 28, 2024

He stayed in a large bedroom on the first floor’s west wing, which features a delicate plaster frieze of mermaids and multiple layers of ancient wooden panelling.

From BBC • Jul. 23, 2024

Would curators notice if Carlo Pellegrini’s “Winter Sports” frieze, the first winning painting in 1912, went up for sale?

From New York Times • May 2, 2024

Something about the way she looked at the frieze, as if she wanted to pulverize it.

From "The Lightning Thief" by Rick Riordan

Related Words

• decoration
• embellishment