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. 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 ² British  

/ friːz /

noun

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

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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

Around the corner from Frieze, Future Fair dedicates itself to more emerging voices, but after several years where the work has declined in ambition I was worried that it might become a skippable event.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026

An alternative golf course site at Frieze Farm has been proposed as part of Cherwell District Council's local plan.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

She came to Frieze to scope out the next addition to her home.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 27, 2026

Frieze, the high-profile international expo that anchors a week of other fairs, gallery openings and art-related events, shone as one of the most impressive fairs in recent memory.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 27, 2026

Frieze, origin of the, 113, 133; and field, 133-135;use of the, 236;treatment of, 240.

From Line and Form (1900) by Crane, Walter

Related Words

• decoration
• embellishment