plate glass

American  

noun

1. a soda-lime-silica glass formed by rolling the hot glass into a plate that is subsequently ground and polished, used in large windows, mirrors, etc.

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plate glass British  

noun

1. glass formed into a thin sheet by rolling, used for windows

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Other Word Forms

• plate-glass adjective
• plateglass adjective

Etymology

Origin of plate glass

First recorded in 1720–30

Example Sentences

We could see into that Holiday Inn through its plate glass windows and observe cops walking around its lobby with billy clubs, keeping a watchful eye on us.

From Salon • Apr. 18, 2025

Amid the glittering, plate glass and steel skyscrapers of modern Doha, Hamas officials have been sitting down with Qatari diplomats from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to work through the complex issue of hostage releases.

From BBC • Oct. 26, 2023

Over the incessant beep, beep, beep of construction equipment and loud conversations about cleaning the plate glass windows overlooking Degnan Boulevard, she pointed out the African influences on the light fixtures.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 27, 2023

The little cottage is safer, as it happens, than the architectural marvels perched on the rocky seaward verges of Big Sur, one of which took a 50-foot wave straight through its plate glass window.

From Washington Post • Jan. 20, 2023

Glassmakers became adept at turning out ever larger sheets of plate glass.

From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson