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

The acclaimed Chicago artist assembled archival images of Black women into a two-part frieze depicting them in positions of beauty and power.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 16, 2026

They’re lined up like figures on the carved frieze of a Roman sarcophagus, except the slight tilt of the camera has them poised to slide out of the frame.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 22, 2025

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

As Pareja, Brito’s silhouette is powerful, especially when Vilaro places him in the middle of dancers, frozen in place as if caught in a frieze.

From New York Times • Apr. 26, 2024

The frieze showed the Olympian gods at a feast.

From "The Battle of the Labyrinth" by Rick Riordan

Related Words

• decoration
• embellishment